1994 Guenoc Winery Langtry Meritage Napa Valley

This winery has a tendency to over-oak just about every one of its red wines. The 1994 Langtry Meritage reveals such boisterous levels of smoky oak in its aromatics that they nearly submerge what appears to be very good ripe red and black currant fruit. The wine is sweet on the entry with medium body, but the heavy dosage of oak gives the wine a more one-dimensional character than I suspect it possesses. Although it is soft, round, and generous, it is clearly designed for those who like plenty of wood in their wines. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2010. Tel. (707) 987-2385; Fax (707) 987-9351