Yates Family Vineyard-Fleur De Veeder-Merlot-Mount Veeder-California-2009-14.7% Alcohol-$37.00-A nose of sweet dark fruit and spice, dark purple in color.   A full bodied, delicious Merlot, yes it’s a Merlot, 100%, cassis, raspberry, velvet favors, mocha, a very long finish.   Search out this winery, had a private tasting last year with Michael and Whitney Yates, great family, great wine.           NR           CR-92           Good with meats, chicken, pasta

I Balzini-Red Label-D’ Isanto & D’Isanto-Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon-Sangiovese-Dai Colli Della-Toscana Centrale-Italy-2009-14% Alcohol-$17.99-A nose of cherry and spices, dark garnet in color.   A medium to full bodied Super Tuscan with black cherry, blueberry, herbs and spice with still some heat, a easy drinker, decant.           NR           CR-88           Good with meats, chicken, pasta.