The 2002 Merlot Paradise Hills Vineyard exhibits a dense plum/purple color along with a big, spicy nose of forest floor and roasted espresso. As the wine sits in the glass, notions of scorched earth and chunky, monolithic black cherry, plum, black currant, and melted fudge aromas as well as flavors enter the picture. Big, dense, moderately high in tannin, and closed, this 100% Merlot will not be a seductive, early-drinking example to cuddle up to early in life. It requires 2-4 years of cellaring, and should last for 12-15.
-Robert Parker 94 points
Parker Review:
The deep, rich 2002 Merlot is not up to the level of the 2003, although it does possess fabulously complex notes of scorched earth, chocolate, espresso roast, and meaty black cherries, currants, and plums. A broodingly backward, concentrated, fullbodied, dense, and superrich Merlot, it should drink well for 15 or more years. Drink 2005 to 2020.
Tanzer Review:
Saturated rubyred. Wonderfully complex, deep aromas of plum, currant, licorice, smoke, dark chocolate and spices. Superconcentrated, round, sweet and creamy, with highly complex flavors of plum, dark chocolate, minerals and leather. This offers breadth and palate coverage rare for merlot thats not grown on the Po merol plateau. The rising finish boasts superb breadth and length. A great California merlot.
