Sebastiani Alexander Valley Merlot (California, 2006)

3 stars (out of 5)

A terrific wine that will only get better with age, my sister and I opened the 2006 Alexander Valley Merlot Appellation Selection the moment it arrived from Sebastiani (even though it is recommended for further aging of one to two more years). It’s a dark crimson color with aromas of berries, coffee, spice and black cherry. The first taste was smooth, silky and chocolaty. Similar to a zinfandel, the elegant wine was a perfect match to an evening of giggling and gossip but would pair well with a luxurious piece of chocolate or cheese.

This merlot is a composition of 75.7 percent merlot, 12 percent petite verdot, 6.6 percent cabernet sauvignon and 5.7 percent malbec. Released in August 2008, its relatively inexpensive price makes it an excellent addition to your cellar or dinner table tonight.