Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Newton Merlot Special Cuvee (Napa Valley) 1999

Much California merlot is insipid industrial stuff. There are definite exceptions, however, and Newton is one of them. Deep purple, with relatively little fading at the rim. Looks even younger than it is. Very strong legs. Big, intense nose of black cherry and tobacco. Strong oak overtones on the nose and palate: toast and vanilla. Long finish with well-rounded but firm tannins. It's got lots of stuffing, which suggests it can go a while yet (maybe 2009?). Definitely Napa in its lush fruitiness, but could hold its head up among the best St. Emillion. Grade: A-