Diamond Oaks Merlot

Crushed Blackberry, Raspberry and some cherry notes. A bit too much oak for me in a wine like this. The tannins are smooth, though it is a tad bit hot. I prefer the 04 and 05 Cabs from Diamond Oaks.

Winery tasting notes: "The moderate temperatures of the 2005 growing season provided optimal conditions for longer "hang time" for the grapes allowing gentle ripening that increases the flavors and softens acids in the wine. Cherry, chocolate, and earthly tones combine to create a complex, well balanced cool climate Merlot. 21 months in new French oak."