Thomas Fogarty 2006 Merlot (Santa Cruz Mountains)

Country: US /
Variety: Merlot California
Winery: Thomas Fogarty / Santa Cruz Mountains

Feels classy and vital from the very start and all the way through. Lots of ripe, complex, bone-dry blackberry, cherry, cola, cassis, herb, chocolate and cedar flavors that finish long and spicy. Even nearing five years of age, the tannins are significant, giving the wine a tough astringency. Hard to tell if the fruit will outlast the tannins. If you drink now, give it a good, long decant.