2005 Carter Merlot Truchard Vineyard

The 2005 Merlot Truchard from the well-known Carneros Vineyard demonstrates Mark Carter’s Midas Touch with not only Cabernet Sauvignon, but with Merlot. Still dense ruby/purple at age ten, the wine is fresh, lively, vigorous, and loaded with mocha, black cherry liqueur and a touch of chocolate. It is heady, round, juicy and, did I say, sexy? This medium to full-bodied, plush Merlot is not likely to get much better, but it’s not going anywhere either. Certainly anyone who wants to could drink it now or over the next 5-6 years without raising an eyebrow. This is a sexy beast.