I'm not a big Merlot drinker since they usually are a bit flabby and oaky for my tastes but I found a couple bottles of 1999 Merryvale Merlot Las Amigas Vineyard Carneros in the cellar and opened one last night. Pronounced iodine smell on opening but it passed in a few minutes leaving a nice pleasant briary berry nose. Medium weight on the palate showing a juicy blackberry and cassis profile. A slight green bean flavor on the finish with a fair amount of tannic structure. "B"