Is it any wonder that the world's most expensive wine (Chateau Petrus from Pomerol) is made from 99 percent Merlot? With enticing aromas of black plums, blackberries, cassis, bing cherries, semi-sweet chocolate and espresso, Merlot is an ideal candidate for the world's favorite wine.

Though many people think of Merlot as more approachable and softer than Cabernet Sauvignon, I believe Merlot is equally as complex as Cabernet and therefore demands exceptionally careful vinification.

I prefer a Merlot that's made to show off its ripe flavor as well as its conspicuously soft tannins. I make our Merlot with fruit from Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley, yielding an intense, jammy and wonderfully layered wine.

2005 Merlot Sonoma County