What’s the best merlot in California? Probably this one. What do other wineries like Pahlmeyer, Duckhorn, or Amuse Bouche charge for their BIG merlots? Those are ninety bucks and up. Who the hell can afford that except for the lucky few who got bailed out? You don’t have to be two months late on your mortgage to benefit from this stimulus package. Estate grown on the very top of Spring Mountain, this merlot possesses magical powers that are rarely wielded by this usually humble varietal. Five years ago this was Spectator’s #1 wine in the world. I think this wine is better than the 2001, showing stronger structure, deeper extraction, better balance, and brighter fruit. This stellar vintage from Paloma is ageable for up to fifteen years. Aromas of blackberry, chocolate, and tobacco leaf foreshadow the upcoming flavor assault. The flavors are persistent and strong, leading with black fruits, spice, mineral, cocoa and a kiss of very expensive French oak. The mouthfeel is huge and almost doesn’t fit in your face. It pairs great with grilled steaks, mushrooms, lamb, braised shortribs, or almost anything meaty, fatty, and charred.