CAKEBREAD CELLARS MERLOT - 2004

14.1% alcohol. Made from 61% Napa Valley Merlot and 39% Carneros.

TASTING NOTES:

Rich red-black color with oak, tobacco leaf and pine forest on the nose. Lush blackberry, plum, cherry, herbs and a plethora of black licorice on the finish. Good balance with vibrant fruit.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

89 PTS

Retails for around $50 to $60 a bottle. Incredibly overpriced. You are paying for the Cakebread label which has made a name for itself with really good Cabernet and Sauvignon Blancs. I'll take two $25 bottles of Swanson Merlot (which are far superior in quality in almost any vintage) over this effort.