Finca Luzon's Merlot is produced from a family-owned estate vineyard located a mere 60 miles from the Mediterranean. The Monastrell vines are 45-years old, and the Merlot are 18 years of age. Unbelievably, yields for the Merlot were 1.6 tons per acre, and for the Mourvedre, 1.25 tons per acre ... lower than yields for most of the great chateaux on the Pomerol plateau. The wine boasts a saturated opaque purple color, an amazingly rich, chocolatey, blackberry, and mocha-scented nose of moderate intensity, and explosive, full-bodied, concentrated flavors with chewy extract.

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Jumilla Merlot
2002 $10.99
"This crisp, fresh red shows true varietal character, with cherry and cassis bush flavors. Tannins are light but firm. 15 percent Monastrell (Mourv?dre). Drink now.