It would seem to be a cold day in Santa Cruz that a Merlot would pass the portals of Bonny Doon Vineyard. And yet… one must remain open to the possibility that the Cepage might be somehow not just bearable, but in fact utterly delicious.

Medium ruby color, soft, lucious and plush (but not in a slatternly way). Well-structured and even, dare I say, reasonably complex. You may well be looking at me sideways for saying it, but I will be drinking some &%&*#! Merlot.