The Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Merlot 2005 offers pleasing aromas of fresh raspberry, black currant, clove and vanilla with a hint of earthiness. The wine is full-bodied with layers of bright red fruit, coffee and clove, finished with nice, well-integrated structure and a velvety mouthfeel. Try serving this soft and silky wine with beef or pork tenderloin, cassoulet, sausage, pizza or beef ravioli.

The breakdown of the varietals present are: 76% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, 3% Teroldego. While some of those are prettty small percentages, I think they add to the overall balance of the bottle. Overall I found the taste to be very appealing,  I though much better than the “regular” Blacksone Merlot, which I found to be a bit harsh. At a price point of $13.99, it’s not a bad first bottle at a cozy byob.