Still in small town CO, and found a 2004 WhiteHall Lane Merlot for $25. Giddy up.
This was just ok. Cork came out fine with my ah-so and was fairly dark purple with some slight bricking. Nice nose of blackberries and a little heat, but unfortunately that heat carried through to the palate. Medium bodied in the mouth with some mature/enjoyable blue and black fruits, but the alcohol was clearly evident on the finish. Nice enough drink for $25 (especially when my options are limited), but definitely smoke em if you got em.