Merlot is largely mediocre in California, with few high quality offerings. Hobbs is one of the few producers who get it right.
The Michael Black Vineyard is a cool site in the southern Coombsville area of Napa Valley. The 2002 Merlot Michael Black Vineyard is a monster effort. Inky purple-colored, it oozes with chocolate/espresso notes intermixed with smoke, blackberries, and cassis. Layered, opulent, full-bodied, and perhaps even richer than the 2001, it, too, should drink well for 10-12 years, possibly longer.
