Luna 2004 Napa Valley Merlot is the color of vibrant raspberries. The nose is filled with smoked, roasted walnuts and a touch of brambleberry. This is a big, muscular Merlot with an abundance of blackberry, Mission figs, and anise on the mid-palate. Seamless, elegant layers appear on the finish, with more black fruits, followed by persistent, tongue-dusting tannins. The long finish reflects the subtlety and elegance of Merlot as a varietal.

This is a wine that will be enjoyable for its vibrancy, for the next two to four years. Over the next decade, it should evolve to become more defined and concentrated.

"Bold aromas of blackberry and smoky oak open to plush cassis and spice flavors that take on depth and richness toward the long finish. Best from 2009 through 2012."
Wine Spectator
91 Points

"Good deep ruby-red. Blackberry, minerals and lead pencil on the nose. Juicy, spicy and penetrating, with dominant flavors of blackberry jam and minerals. The firm tannins are almost surprisingly smooth and evolved. A good 30% of this juice is from Howell Mountain, the rest from vineyards in Napa and Carneros."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Barrel Sample: 91-93 Points