This is Screaming Eagle's Merlot based wine. It is still young and tight and took some time to open. That said, it was delicious. Purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, cherries, dark chocolate, violets and a bit of earthiness.  Full bodied.  Firm tannins.  On the palate, this has a lush texture.  Black cherries and cherries with some chocolate and char.  Great balance.  Long finish. This could use a few more years of cellaring (or air) but should drink well for twenty years.  It needs big food right now with a lot of meat or cheese, but drinks great on its own. 

Blend:  61% Merlot, 37%, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc

98 Points - James Suckling

This is very tight grained and beautifully balanced with violets, crushed stones and a brambleberry character. Extremely aromatic and perfumed. Medium to full body with a compressed mouthfeel of wonderfully fine and fresh tannins. A fantastic merlot-based red for the vintage. Structured yet so balanced.