Red Rock Winery Merlot California Reserve 2008

Rating: 88/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the November 2010 issue. Its simple State appellation and its modest price may not be the signposts of noteworthy Merlot, but this surprising effort is just that and earns an enthusiastic endorsement for genuine value. It is keyed on very well-defined, moderately deep, ripe cherry fruit and shows the substance, structure and balance of a wine costing a good deal more, and it has all of the signs of one that will get better over the next four or five years.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Drinkable now. Further bottle aging can improve this wine.

"Rating: 88/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the November 2010 issue. Its simple State appellation and its modest price may not be the signposts of noteworthy Merlot

Here's what Gallo does so well, a huge production (more than 100,000 cases) of a pleasing, clean wine, at a decent everyday price. Plump and juicy, it pleases for the cherry jam, black raspberry tart, red currant, licorice and spice flavors. Finishes with real sophistication.

The 2008 Merlot reveals straightforward fruit, soft tannins and a mid-weight, fresh, somewhat simple style. It should be consumed over the next 2-3 years.

A sleeper of the vintage, as well as an outstanding bargain, the 2007 Merlot is fashioned from 50% Sonoma fruit, 10% from Napa, and 40% from Central Coast regions. Small amounts of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon have been added to the blend. Elegant mocha and dark berry fruit are followed by a medium-bodied, silky-textured red that tastes as if it should cost 2-3 times the price. It is meant to be drunk during its first 2-3 years of life to take advantage of its exuberant, fruity youthfulness.