CHARLES CREEK MERLOT MIRADERO - 2002

85% Merlot (57% Napa County Merlot and 43% Sonoma County Merlot) and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. This California red has a hefty 14.5% and is aged in a mix of French and American oak.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark red color with cocoa and cherry on the nose. Dry cherry, currant, vanilla, spicy cedar and charred wood on the palate with some rough tannins and a bit of heat.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

87 PTS
An interesting Merlot that is muscular and subtle at the same time. This is a good wine that has been described as being very Bordeaux-like. Lots of wood and cherry but not intriguing enough for my palate. I'd much rather drink an inexpensive Merlot based Bordeaux or a more straight-forward California or Washington State Merlot. Fair.