The 2002 Beaulieu Vineyards Rutherford Merlot has held up quite well for it’s age. Still a dark ruby with a little brickiness at the edges, the nose was restrained with just a little dark fruit, spice and earth. The flavor was rich dark fruit with some complex spices. Moderate tannin and good acidity. There was a long finish and it was good both by itself and with food. The wine was very nice drinking.
There was a little left the next day but it had picked up a prune like flavor and was not particularly pleasant. If you have this in your cellar, I would say drink it now while it is good. I’m not sure it would keep much longer.
