Sometimes you hear about Merlot in the County and you begin to laugh – in fact in the early days of the County when Huff winemaker Frederic Picrd mention he wanted to make Merlot, more than one person walked away thinking he was more Looney Tunes than Bugs Bunny and friends. But in a year like 2010 it was more than possible. This 100% County Merlot from the southernmost tip of the region, South Bay, was aged for 15months is 25% new French oak. The wine is pretty tight so you’ll need a decanter, a large glass or both before you can really sink your teeth into it: but when you do there’s cherry and blueberry skin with lots of grit and grip … if you have the patience this bottle should reward you in the next 2 or 3 years. Price: $29.95 – Rating: *** ½+