Wine Enthusiast: While the 2005 was not rated, it is worth noting the 92 rating of the 2006 vintage:  "An exquisite Merlot that really impresses for balance and complexity, and not just its ability to ripen grapes, which anyone can do. Shows deep flavors of cherry purée, mocha, cedar and Asian spices, wrapped into finely ground, sweet tannins. A rewarding red wine for drinking now with upscale fare."

Winery:  "The 2005 vintage yielded deep, dark fruit character to our Merlot grapes, due to a long, slow growing season with moderate temperatures. The 2005 Chalk Hill Merlot contains 21% Malbec, which contributes blue fruit and flesh to the wine’s suppleness and structure. The intense purple wine lends aromas of bramble, berries, exotic spices, tobacco, molasses, and floral notes of violets and lavender. Ripe tannins encase mouth-filling, round flavors of anise, plum, blackberry and brown spice."

Wired For Wine:  We love the Chalk Hill with upscale fare, as well as the everyday.  For fancier occasions, we bring out the Estate Sonoma Merlot for grilled lamb or veal chops.  They're delicious with a mustard sauce and oven-roasted plum tomatoes on the side.  For more casual meals, this Merlot is perfect with a tender pot roast or a simple roast chicken.  Buttered noodles with mushrooms will round these two out nicely.  Be sure there's enough for afterwards, and pour a couple more glasses to go with a cheddar-like, subtly sharp Cantalet cheese, or a stronger, aged Mimolette.  Don't stay up too late though, the right jolly old elf won't come until everyone's in bed!

Drink through 2014.

Size:  750 ml
Vintage:  2005
Varietal:  79% Merlot, 21% Malbec
Alcohol:  14.5%
Vinification:  native yeast fermentation, 100% malolactic in barrel, with weekly batonnage
Development:  18 months, 40% new French oak; bottle unfined & unfiltered
Region:   Chalk Hill, Sonoma County