Two tasty Merlots

[Bucko]

2003 Chateau St. Jean, Merlot, Sonoma County, California, $25, 13,000 cases. This deeply-hued Merlot displays loads of plum, tobacco, cedary oak and vanilla aromas. It is rich, lush, and bursting with flavor; 89/89.

2003 Chateau Ste. Michelle, Merlot, Cold Creek Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington, $25, 1,500 cases. The nose is immediately filled with scents of blackberries, black cherries, smoky oak and vanilla. Full in the mouth, the wine is packed with black fruit and smoky oak. Tannins are generous but ripe; 89/89.