Benessere Merlot

This wine has taken a while to develop. I had my first bottle in 09 and it was too tight and closed for a Merlot. It is drinking perfect now! Big, dark fruit, smooth as silk, medium finish with chocolate and a hint of espresso on the finish. Drinks like a central Napa, cab based Bordeaux blend, but it is Merlot! Don't think it will evolve any better than it is this year. Yum.

Had after opened a couple of days. Interesting and intense nose of prune, plum, raisin. Very rich. Very silky and beautiful wine and alcohol very tame. Heavy on dark plum, cinammon, blackberry, vanilla, chocolate, juicy, beautiful. To me, the best merlot has to offer.

Very young wine. Wait a couple of years, or decant for 2+ hours. Initially very alcoholic smell, extreme tannins. After 2+ hours in bottle, wine opened up and balanced out to be a very nice glass of merlot. Ripe, dark fruit flavors with moderately intense tannins. Medium finish.