Palate Press Wine of the Week: 2007 Bolen Merlot

Gorgeous. Spicy on the nose with big heavy dark fruits and a hint of oak. The word for this wine is lush (although Parker has flayed that word into overuse). Maybe also rich. Finish lingers for minutes with layers of mocha and awesome… well, just lots of awesome. No wimpy food with this bad boy.

WHO: Bolen Family Estates
WHAT: Merlot
WHERE: Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, California
WHEN: 2007
HOW MUCH: $60