Nicely ripened cab merlot blend in this arid vintage. This has a nicely leafy complexity (I suspect from a high % of cab franc), not at all like unpleasant under ripeness from cool vintages. Fairly soft, but with enough tannin to keep it interesting. Fine value indeed at about $16 (bought on sale for $14, so an even more compelling value). Best consumed over the next 2-3 years. Tasted July 2018.