Cardinale – La Jota Vineyard – Howell Mountain Estate – Merlot 2012 – W.S. Keyes Vineyard – Napa Valley

The nose is fruity, elegant, fine as well as quite elegant and concentration. It reveals notes of blueberry, blackberry and slight notes of licorice candy associated slight notes of cornflower, cassis, wild strawberry as well as small notes of Ceylon tea, licorice, a discreet hint of halzelnut, caramelization and a discreet hint of oregano. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, quite aerial and offers freshness, an acid frame, juiciness, a nice finesse as well as a nice matter. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry, raspberry jam, touches of blueberry, a hint of cassis and a discreet hint of purple fig associated with touches of liquorice, toasted oak (very discreet) as well as slight touches of caramelization and a hint of dried fig on the finish. Tannins are fine, elegant, well-built, structuring and slightly firm. Good length and good persistence. A beautiful wine!