2004 Beringer Merlot, Napa Valley   $18.00

This outstanding Merlot from Napa Valley offers plush, soft, chewy tannins, and bright fruit characteristics.  This wine has a blend of ripe plum, black cherry, mint, toffee and dried herb aromas and mouth-coating flavors which are supported with cedar, vanilla, cocoa and nutmeg spice that transition to a long extracted finish.

This value-priced 2004 Merlot exhibits abundant notes of berries, mocha, and herbs along with a hint of white chocolate in its dark ruby-hued, medium-weight personality.

Ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years.

Score: 87. —Robert Parker, December 2006.