2006 Elizabeth Spencer Napa Valley Merlot.
Another successful bottling from this "negociant" house in Napa Valley. Quite dark in color. Reticent nose...very earthy and somewhat savory. Somewhat closed upon initial opening, but after a few minutes of air, the fine plum fruit began to come out-but not too much. Oak was also restrained, and the alcohol, while not low (the plum fruit shows some ripeness), remained in balance. This wine remained very structured...powerful tannins and very earthy. A little bit of old world character...some of us preferred this to the much more blowsy and New World style Darioush (which did have a nice acid core!)
