Heller Estate Merlot

Could at first smell the alcohol in the glass. Decanted and it burned off. Was silky and beautiful.

Decanted and consumed over 2 hours. Upon opening I get aromas of decayed flowers, leather, and dried fruit. Taste is pretty flat, flavors of tobacco, herbs, and leather. After about 45 minutes, the wine begins to open, showing more fresher qualities. Aromas of dried flowers, dried red and black fruits, sweet tobacco, and cedar begin to show. The wine smells gorgeous... In the mouth the wine is soft and elegant, tannins are completely resolved- the finish is long and very …

Was delighted to discover how much life and juiciness this Merlot has left in it. Whiffs of aged tobacco wirh a smattering of juicy cherries and cedar.

I was very impressed with this one. This bottle came third in the line up for the night- after the qc so maybe that played in its favor. Nice merlot with blackberry and cherry fruit. A weighty palate with moderate finish. This 2001 is by no means tired.

I had reservations about this 01 tonight but it made the grade. This is a stunning merlot with chunky blackcherry upfront and a nice oak backbone with chewy tannins. Aromatic, generous, long on the finish, and still going.

Dark ruby red with notes of dark fruit, cedar, and earth. Soft tannins with long finish - a nice merlot.

still kicking. pretty nose, rich and complex

The first time I had this I was not impressed. This bottle was fantastic. The mystery of wine.