Markham Merlot Napa 2006 - $16

David: Dark purply red. Nose is a little strange. Smells almost like a white wine. Peaches, carrot and root beer are evident. Nose was a little more relaxed on the second day with roses and cedar. Full bodied and yummy. Spicy and concentrated plum and raisin. Strong tannins. Good structure. Plummy tasting finish. Liked this better on the second day. Probably better to decant for several hours.
Score: 4.2/5

Trinchero Merlot 2007 - $26

Got this Napa merlot half off on the sale rack at Meijer.

David: Purple red in color. This merlot is very similar to the previous $9 merlot from Bordeaux. Nose of red currant, herbs, vanilla, rubbery earthiness. Full bodied, red currant fruit, median acidity. Fruit bomby. Silky texture, soft but powerful tannins. Decent finish. A tasty though fairly ordinary merlot. Not that much better than the previous $9 wine. Easily worth the discount price but not the full one which is typical of Napa wines.
Score: 3.9/5

Freemark Abbey Merlot 2006 - $25

From Napa Valley. 84% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Sirah.
Jessica:

Score: ?/5

Hess Allomi Cabernet Napa 2006 - $19

David: Color is purple red. Nose is extraordinarily complex. Besides red fruits, you can find dill, vanilla, coco, baking spices, smoke, sulfer and other aromas depending on your imagination. Someone writing a review said shoe polish which is perhaps an appropriate description of certain hard to describe earthy notes. Medium acidity and body. Black cherry, red currants and berries are prevalent. Tannins are powerful but smooth. Finish ends in chocolate covered raisin. Not as exquisite as the other Hess we had but probably a better value.
Score 4.2/5

Jessica: Spicy, herbal and mineral were the tastes that stood out. Dark fruits in the backdrop, but mainly I noted pepper and thyme as the promanant tastes. Strong flavor, but well balanced with silky tannins that did not over power. Complex layered tastes. Enjoyable overall.
4.4/5

Hess Collection Mount Veeder Cabernet 2006 - Napa Valley - $36

David:
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 1% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. A mountain wine with flavors of mountain berries. Fragrant nose of dark fruit, coffee, vanilla and hint of graphite. Tender on front of the mouth with low acidity. Rich currant and berry flavor on the palate followed by super-smooth and well integrated tannins. Continues to a very long, nicely layered finish with boysenberry and liquorish essence. A beautiful wine.
Score: 4.7/5

Jessica: This wine had a delicious bouquet, inviting nose containing fruits and vanilla. A subtle metallic essence present. Deep, complicated and a very satisfying length. Tannins not too bitter. Good with meats and cooked vegetables; contrasted unfavorably with a salad with a vinegar dressing and tomatoes.
Score: 4.7/5