Smoking Loon 2005 California Merlot

Rusty ruby color with slightly orange edges. Slightly herbal on the nose, but what is there is nicely fruited. Soft and smooth in the mouth, very true to type, with an interesting medium-length finish. Easy to drink. And it has a fun "whoop, whoop" stamped, synthetic cork. (Get it? "loon"? "whoop"?)

from the Don Sebastiani & Sons winery:

This Merlot is dark garnet in color and has aromas of fresh basil, blueberries, and Bing cherries. With good richness without being too heavy on the palate, the flavors of fresh cherry pie, sweet plum, and soft cinnamon spiked cranberry dressing finishing with notes of rich, vanilla French oak and delicate cherry and strawberry flavors.

This wine is packed with flavor yet still has a delicate body. This is a versatile wine that can be served with bruschetta over toasted French bread or cherry preserves over Brie served with water crackers as an appetizer. You could serve this wine with salmon over wild rice with toasted almonds, grilled chicken on top of a spinach salad with walnuts and dried cranberries, or thyme roasted pork chops over mashers.

Well, I can't say I would argue with the serving suggestions. It all sounds like it would mate really well.

Now, if someone will only show up and make me some bruschetta and French bread!