***+ $$ Kelley Creek Merlot, Winemaker's Reserve, 2005, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, CA - Wine Review and Rating

Further explore Dry Creek Valley

Review: Kelley Creek Merlot, Winemaker's Reserve, 2005, is from the Schneider Vineyard of Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, CA. The Kelley Creek line, in fact, was created from an abundant harvest in 2005, which resulted in grapes becoming available from the vineyards of Sonoma County grape growers, Barbara and Dick Schneider. Kelley Creek is a tributary that runs through the Schneider's property in Western Dry Creek Valley into Dry Creek.

In the glass, Kelley Creek Merlot, Winemaker's Reserve, shows as medium dusty red. Aromas are modest and of deep fruit - a bit of alcohol "twang", showing the 14.6 percent alcohol level.

Your first sip is even and balanced - almost regal in its conservative yet lively nature. There is a solid, fur-encrusted dark cherry flavor, perhaps a touch of cocoa. It resolves to a lengthy, quite pure, mellow finish with a touch of sweet acid. Not much tannin grit, but a solid, full-bodied offering.

Not quite the power to wow me with four stars, but I will add a plus to its three stars for its true class.

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