2006 Merus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

“This is really powerful on the nose, with reduced aromas of blackberries, raspberries and cherries. Full bodied, with loads of velvety tannins and a thick, jammy after taste. But it's balanced and pretty. (JS)” (02/2011)

“Although closed at present, Merus’ inky/purple-colored 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon displays enormous power and richness. It is a massive, blockbuster-styled effort possessing black fruits, plenty of spicy oak, hints of licorice and graphite, and mouth-staining tannins and extract in the finish. (RP) 92+” (12/2008)

“Saturated ruby. Dusty black raspberry, blackberry, spices and licorice pastille on the nose, with hints of meat, dark chocolate and eucalyptus. Less sweet and harmonious than the young 2007 sample, showing a rather tightly wound quality and a medicinal aspect to its dark fruit flavors. Finishes with serious, even somewhat tough tannins. In a disjointed stage now and in need of patience. (ST)” (05/2009)

“A bold, rich style that's very well-done, making the mix of extracted dark berry, mocha, cedar and crushed rock sync with drying dusty oak, turning to melted black licorice on the finish. (JL)” (11/2016)

“While there is no arguing with the fact that this is a very ripe, very big, very obvious wine, there is so much richness and deep fruit at its heart that only those burdened by bleakly unbending anti-ripeness agendas will find it less than outstanding. Its layered aromas of ripe currants, cigar box and cream give way to opulent, mouthfilling flavors whose combination of fruit and rich spices power past its considerable tannins. A wine meant for keeping, it should be set aside for five or six years with the promise of a decade or more of growth.” (04/2010)