Stevenot Merlot 2005

Vinted and bottled by Stevenot (est. 1978), Murphys, CA 95247. Sierra Foothills. 14.5%.

Ripe, deep berry fruit nose. Some raspberry, some cherry, hint of alcohol. Ruby and violet color. Crisp and a bit inky, nice oak and plenty of lingering smoke and fruit. Excellent balanced finish. Very good, flavorful and supple wine. Unlike many CA merlots, this example of "the other noble" works well with the fruitiness to make an interesting, taste-y, long-lingering wine.
Some weeks later:
Had some again. Impressed me again. Great flavor in this better than expected wine.

Devour Pinot Noir Napa Valley Carneros District 2005

Chateau Diana, Healdsburg, CA, 13.8%

Fresh clean fruit on the nose. Pinot scent. Plenty of tart fruit flavors. Like berries, cherries, and currants. Nice sweetness and light body on the finish. Not intensely complex Pinot but tons of nice flavors and a good collections of notes throughout.