duckhorn's three palms bottling is one of the oldest and most consistent merlot vineyard designations in california and this is a classic example. the wine always is very tannic. but the '05 is dry and rich and complex in mineral-laden cherries and currants, with just the right application of new oak. you can decant it now for several hours and enjoy with a dramatically charred steak, but it will develop beautifully through 2011, at least.
Three Palms Vineyard