The wine with its velvety complexity complements a wide range of foods. The nose is perfumed with black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, lavender, and a hint of French oak. In the mouth, the fruit contains classic elements of black cherry, cassis, chocolate, and vanilla. The texture of the wine is simply seductive, with the intensity of the fruit balanced by a velvety, luscious midpalate. The balance of the wine is ideal, with a lovely firm acidity balancing the sweetness of the fruit, and a long, elegant finish of fruit and sweet chalky tannins. The flavors last for minutes after swallowing, showing the complexity and structure of a great food wine. This merlot should improve for at least eight years and will last for many years after.