Merus Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

winemaker's notes: The 2006 Merus is deep inky purple in color with intense aromas of black cherries, layered with exotic spice, hints of cinnamon, mocha, dark chocolate, cassis and blackberries. In the mouth, the entry possesses tremendous intensity and a massive palate impression. Mouth coating flavors with an abundance of dark cherry fruit on the opening followed by dark dense fruit, dark chocolate and exotic spices together with abundant velvety tannins, gives this wine its structure and rich multi-layered texture. This wine expands in the mouth for a long finish. Given its youthful character, the 2006 Merus will benefit from cellaring for at least five to fifteen years.

alcohol by volume: 15.4% critical acclaim: "Although closed at present, Merus’ inky/purple-colored 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon displays enormous power and richness. It is a massive, blockbuster-styled effort possessing black fruits, plenty of spicy oak, hints of licorice and graphite, and mouth-staining tannins and extract in the finish. Forget it for 4-5 years, and drink it over the following 20-25. 92+ Points"

92 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Saturated ruby. Dusty black raspberry, blackberry, spices and licorice pastille on the nose, with hints of meat, dark chocolate and eucalyptus. Less sweet and harmonious than the young 2007 sample, showing a rather tightly wound quality and a medicinal aspect to its dark fruit flavors. Finishes with serious, even somewhat tough tannins. In a disjointed stage now and in need of patience. 92(+?) Points"

92 Points

International Wine Cellar

"Intense and rustic, with chewy mineral, anise, dried currant and earth notes. Full-bodied, this is concentrated and long on the finish, but needs time to soften. Best from 2011 through 2017. 1,200 cases made. "

91 Points

Wine Spectator

"While there is no arguing with the fact that this is a very ripe, very big, very obvious wine, there is so much richness and deep fruit at its heart that only those burdened by bleakly unbending anti-ripeness agendas will find it less than outstanding. Its layered aromas of ripe currants, cigar box and cream give way to opulent, mouthfilling flavors whose combination of fruit and rich spices power past its considerable tannins. A wine meant for keeping, it should be set aside for five or six years with the promise of a decade or more of growth."