Country: US / Aroha Vineyard
Variety: Merlot Oregon
Winery: Iris Vineyards / Umpqua Valley
This is impressively dark, with dense but grapy fruit flavors right out front. The mouthfeel is sharp and spicy, and it thins out surprisingly in the middle, given the color and rather high alcohol. Sappy acids and raspy tannins carry it through the finish.