2004 Frei Brothers Reserve Merlot

[wondersofwine]

Dry Creek Valley, Northern Sonoma
13.8 % alcohol by volume

Dark purple color, dense and opaque with a full glass. Fades to red-violet at rim as glass is nearly empty and is less opaque. Muted nose at first (had been chilled in the refrigerator until about 30 minutes before drinking). Plummy but drying on the finish. Fruity nose emerges after 30-40 minutes in the glass. Plummy and balanced. Okay but not too exciting. I prefer the Frei Brother Reserve Pinot Noir which I find to be a good value for California Pinot.