1999 Dunnewood "Signature", Napa Valley

[hotwine]

Whew! The ugliest danged nose I've seen that wasn't attached to a wild hog! Like rotten mushrooms in a bowl of rancid olive oil. Poured it 'way too soon after opening, needed at least a couple of hours in the decanter. When dinner of oak-grilled sirloin and assorted sides was finished, the wine was finally ready. A touch of white pepper and green olives on a bed of ripe red fruit, lead pencil coming in on the finish, better with each sip. Another Costco wine, $10.99 and 13.4% ABV (the latter per dunnewood.com). I'd call this a fair enough journeyman Merlot, but for Pete's sake, decant, decant, decant!