Firm and boring as any merlot should be, but it puts up a bit of a droll fuss from the sauvignon side of the fam. Delectably oaky, but only after the first swallow and evermore dry with each mouthful. Surely on the redder end of the red wines, a suggestion of cherries with none of the sweetness. Not too tannic, but enough to make the cheese go down. Tasted with muenster.