2006 Paradigm Oakville Napa Valley Merlot

Made by Heidi Peterson Barrett, the Paradigm Merlot comes entirely from Paradigm's estate vineyards in Oakville and includes a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon (8%) in the blend. Plummy aromas are contrasted by cedar and spice notes, continuing onto the palate, which boasts bright acidity and fine-grained, slightly dusty tannins. This isn't Cabernet masquerading as Merlot, but a medium-bodied expression that goes down easy and beckons you to refill the glass.