Peter Franus - Napa Valley Merlot - 2006

Medium ruby in color, the wine offers an inviting nose with lots of spice, sweet toasty oak, black cherry, and ripe plum, made more intriguing by the exotic floral notes of Cabernet Franc. The aromas bounce around with each other, indicating to me complexity since no single component dominates. The round flavors reflect the nose, with an initial sense of sweetness curiously followed by an impression of dryness. The wine remains bright and lively with a refreshing finish. The color, weight, concentration, and flavor profile of this Merlot easily surpass those of many of its Cabernet Sauvignon counterparts.

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