2001 Gainey Merlot, Santa Ynez Valley
One of my coworkers decided to reward me with a 2001 bottle of Gainey Merlot from the Santa Ynez Valley. I have yet to open the bottle as it is still sitting on my desk, but from what he has told me it is quite good. Jammy and fruity, but not too much as it is a Merlot. This classic Merlot exhibits all the things that make Merlot lovers go gaga–lush black cherry and plum fruit followed by subtle notes of warm cinnamon and clove and a finish of thick, velvety tannins and sweet creamy oak. A smidgen of cabernet franc is blended in, and the whole is aged for 16 months in one-third new oak barrels.
While not the best site for a description, here is a place which has some details on this 2001. I will partake in libations pretty soon and Ill be sure to let everyone know how it is :) Inexpensive, but sounds really good so far.