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(90) Kestrel Merlot 2012 (Washington). Fragrant and expressive, with aromas and fl avors of blueberries, baking spices, pepper and sweet vanilla. It showcases its famous Yakima Valley pedigree in the well-struc- tured, balanced fi nish. ($23) (90) Le Vigne Kiara Merlot 2010 (California). This is a smooth and gentle merlot with loads of plum and cherry and notes of red currant and vanilla leading to an elegant fi nish. ($18) (90) Luc Pirlet Merlot 2014 (France). An intense and surprisingly bold merlot with concentrated blackberries, oak, spice and plums. There is weightiness to the palate that imparts a rich texture to the fl avors. It fi nishes smooth and velvety. ($13) (90) Milbrandt Vineyards Traditions Merlot 2012 (Washington). Dry and medium-bodied, with complex black fruit notes and a long fi nish. An exceptional value, vintage after vintage. ($16) (90) Montoya Merlot 2013 (California). A velvety merlot with vibrant fl avors of red cherries, dark plums, spice, and oak. A highly enticing wine that is smooth and soft from start to fi nish. ($18) (90) Mouton Cadet 2012 (France). Bright, deep ruby in the glass. The nose is bight and fresh, with red fruit dominating. The palate follows the nose, with good struc- ture and hints of spice. A bargain. ($11) (90) Neethlingshof Merlot 2013 (South Africa). A velvety smooth merlot with supple fl avors of blueberries, dark plums, kirsch and spice. Its profi le features gentle tannins and a delightfully crisp fi nish. ($18) (90) Wildhaven Merlot 2013 (Washington). Supple aromas and fl avors of dark fruit, spice and vanilla are woven together in the wine's plush texture. It fi nishes soft, with gentle tannins providing structure. ($15) (89) Anakena Merlot 2014 (Chile). A fruit-forward, plush merlot with fresh plum, raspberry and vanilla fl avors. The gentle fi nish is smooth and round with light notes of spice. ($11) (89) Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2012 (Washington). Loaded with fl avors of black cherry and chocolate, with a nice velvety fi nish. This wine has made many end-of-year top-100 lists. ($10) (89) Domaine de Couron, Ardeche 2013 (France). What this lacks in complexity it makes up in sheer drinkability. Ripe plums, espresso and thyme are nicely tied into a medium-bodied frame with a splash of cleansing acidity. ($11) CLASSIFIEDS AGE VERIFICATION MAXIMIZE THE POSITIVE PRESS FROM YOUR FEATURE IN Now offering short-run reprints Order 100 copies or less FOR CUSTOM REPRINTS CONTACT US TODAY! Robin Cooper rcooper@specialtyim.com CHEERS ADVERTISER INDEX www.viage.com MIDWEST - IL, IN, IA, KS, K Y, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI Bruce Kostic; bkostic@specialtyim.com • Tel (203) 855-8499 ext. 215 • Cell (203) 803-0453 EAST, WEST & INTERNATIONAL - AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, ID, MA, ME, MT, NH, NM, OR, RI, UT, VT, WA, WY, Canada and Intl Mark Marcon; mmarcon@specialtyim.com • Tel (248) 761-6231 • Fax (519) 972-5169 SOUTH AND METRO NY - AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV Debbie Rittenberg; drittenberg@specialtyim.com • Tel/Fax (215) 860-0306 • Cell (215) 431-8787 LIST RENTAL - MeritDirect, Jim Scova; jscova@MeritDirect.com • Tel (914) 368-1012 REPRINTS - Robin Cooper; rcooper@specialtyim.com • Tel (845) 856-2229 CHEERS REGIONAL SALES OFFICES Budweiser ............................. Back Cover Beverage Information Group ............ 51 Corona ..................................................27 Jim Beam ................. Inside Front Cover Libbey Foodservice .............................33 Modela Especial. .................................25 Ole Smoky Moonshine........................19 Stemmari Wine ......................................5 Tito's Vodka ............................................9 Tres Papalote ....................................... 11