2002 Nickel & Nickel "Harris Vineyard" Oakville Merlot

SKU #1014714 90 points Wine Enthusiast

Co-released with N&N’s Suscol Ranch Merlot. This one’s as ripe in currant, black cherry and chocolate fruit, and the tannins are as intricate and complex. Seems just a shade less complete, although it’s still a dazzling wine. (10/2005)

Connoisseurs Guide

Those who hold that Merlot should first be fruity and friendly will find plenty to like in this very polished offering. It is keyed on ripe cherries and vanilla-bean oak, and it is wonderfully supple in feel. Hardly a wine of big muscles and swagger, it persuades with its keen sense of proportion, and its impressions of succulent fruit hang on in a lengthy, minimally tannic finish. (11/2005)

Wine Spectator

Dark, with dusty cedar, plum, cigar box and black cherry aromas that fold over to the palate, offering a smooth, balanced concentration of flavors. A hint of juicy blackberry carry the finish. Firm, ripe tannins make it a good candidate for short-term cellaring. (6/2005)

K&L Notes

This wine is very concentrated, yielding a rich core of berry fruit layered with dried herbs, sage, mixed with notes of earth, cigar and spice. There is a bit of dusty cherry to this wine as is often seen in wines from Oakville. Sweet, toasty oak adds complexity and the firm, yet supple, tannins add length on the finish.