WINE REVIEW: Markham 2018 Merlot, Napa, CA ($21)

by Andrew Chalk

A tightly-wound ball of merlot fruit featuring raspberry, chocolate, mocha, herbs including thyme and oregano and a backbeat of French oak (the tech. sheet reports that 30% is new oak).

This wine will keep and, I think, become more approachable due to softening of the not inconsiderable tannins. It is good now, but the mouthful is more future potential than current yield.

Sample