2002 Provenance Mount Veeder Merlot

[oostexan]

Corked another one of these wonderful bottles tonight and it continues to evolve and mature. The chocolate has come forward, and the fruit is just so wonderful. Took two hours to air, but my goodness...fantastic wine. The upfront chocolate and lushness reminds me a lot of a 1993 BV Georges Latour that I had last week.

I have tried several Merlots this year trying to find one as good - Shafer, Duckhorn, etc.

This is the best Napa Merlot I have had all year. No, I have not tried the Paloma or the Pride, both of which get a lot of press. Oh, and WW, this is the Mt Veeder designated cuvee. I have not tried the "Napa" one this year from Provenance, per your TN.

Mark