Lots of new oak on this young Merlot, and the wood dominates, sending out waves of toast, clove and vanilla-buttered toast aromas. Oak tannins join the grapeskin tannins in making the mouthfeel hard and astringent. The underlying flavors are of blackberries, black cherries, red licorice and unsweetened baker's chocolate. It's a good wine that should develop bottle complexity through 2012.