The 2006 Merlot Reserve is revisited this issue as part of our retrospective, another wine at or around the ten-year level. This powerhouse--later Reserves seemed to show more approachability--is still tight and powerful, giving the wine a lean, somewhat austere feel to it. That said, it is also showing some complexity now (unlike its Cabernet Reserve sibling, also reviewed), making it seem very much like classic, right bank Bordeaux. Originally, I wasn't so sure about the balance here--the tannins still outpace the concentration of fruit. Still, this is a fine value in an age-worthy wine with some upscale intentions. It has plenty of life left and is easily proving it can age.