Two nice Merlots

[Bucko]

1999 Dry Creek, Meritage, Dry Creek Valley, California, $28. Merlot predominant, this dark ruby release offers up a bowl full of mixed berry and humidor notes. Very polished on the entry, the tannins caress rather than bite. The complex fruit makes quite a statement. 90/91.

1999 Geyser Peak, Merlot, Reserve, Sonoma County, California, $40, 1,200 cases. This is a pretty big Merlot, with a broad range of aromas and flavors to include cherries, chocolate, coffee beans, smoke and vanilla. Moderate, ripe tannins will soften will a few years in the bottle. 88+/87.