'99 Sebastiani Sonoma County Merlot

[newsguy]

($12.99) 13.5% alcohol. bright ruby color, lightening into salmon at the rim with a hint of orange. full nose of black cherry, sweet oak, blackberries and hints of spice. taste of same dark fruits plus chocolate, with expresso kicking in on the expanding finish. rich, concentrated flavors with a fairly elegant mouthfeel. medium, slightly drying tannins. as you've guessed, this is a big merlot. i loved it, and think it's a fantastic value and still has plenty of life ahead. drink through 2007. 91 points.