187. Sterling Vineyards, Napa Valley Merlot Three Palms Vineyard, 2000

$26.94; 13.5%

Mid intensity ruby / garnet core, to ruby-rim. Prompted by the back label, raspberry aromas, with crushed red fruit. Milk chocolate characteristics again, but something elusive develops – tar or warm vanilla? Acidity is the main structural element, with light-medium tannin. Medium-bodied. Soft. Quaffable, but lacking the weight and depth of the 1999 Reserve, so definitely not as good. Drink up.