After not having tasted this wine for a couple of years, you can really taste the syrupy rum and chocolate flavours. A keeper.

Mondavi is known for both innovation and the classic styling of wine. There is a reason why he is perhaps the most recognized name in American wine. This one is both- a classic, and an innovation! If you didn't read the label, you'd taste it and say 'wow', and wonder how he managed to add the complexity and layers and find a smoothness that is rare in a wine that's just a few years old. And then you see that it's aged in rum barrels and it all makes sense! It might be a little bit of cheating, but you can't deny it hits all the marks you want it to and then some. To the weekend drinker, the rum barrel aging gives it the flavor profile of a much older wine, but it won't fool a trained pallet. Then again, who cares when it's this good?!

If you love a good full bodied merlot and you like rum, you must try this wine.

To be able to buy such a fine product at such a reasonable price is amazing. I come from a rum drinking background but have started getting into wine so when I saw this expression of merlot I had to give it a try. At first you get flavours of plum and blueberries on the palate and it finishes with a nice woody flavour reminiscent of some of the more expensive rums. I will definitely be buying this one again.

2019 vintage - i was truly surprised when i first tasted this vintage, and felt very disappointed. There is no way i could recommend this vintage of Merlot

This merlot is amazing. It has a sudden impact at first sip and as it rolls over the pallet it expands and the full body takes hold and then the smooth merlot classic taste with a hint of the rum oak barrel blend finishes off the exotic taste. Definitely one I will keep in the cupboard and only share with those who can appreciate what they are drinking.