The 2014 Merlot Grand Vintage was aged for 17 months in neutral French oak. This seems like a rather different wine than the regular Merlot (the white label) reviewed, although many will be happy stopping there, as that is very fine this year. This has a bit more depth and a sterner feel, tighter on the finish, while the regular bottling emphasizes its freshness and sunny demeanor a bit more. The fruit flavor is easier to find here, less cut by acidity, although that is certainly relative. They both have a fresh, somewhat lean feel overall--cool-climate Merlots. This bottling has more upside potential, however, more chance of becoming something interesting in the cellar. I suspect this will separate more from the white label bottling in a few years, either by this going up or that going down, or some combination of both. Right now, they are merely different sides of the same coin. This will be released at the beginning of 2018, at which point it may be a bit better developed.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 91 points