Just won a bet and have to decide within the next 30 mins which to chose (that is when the cork is being popped):
98, 99, 03, 02, 06, and 07 (I’m leaning towards the 02…have had the 07 and 98 before)
This message self destructs at 4:30 EST.
2003 is overripe and over the top IMO. Stay away from that one at all costs. Having said that, the 2002 is probably the one I would pick (not having had it yet).
I have had a ton of the Merus in the last 13 months, and this will be a real question of personal taste. I am not into the whole 15.5% ABV or ultra ripe thing, so all Merus before 2005 are a bit bigger than I personaly enjoy cabs - To ME (your milage etc) are in a stage where the mid palate has taken over the wine and are drinking like a nice after dinner liquor. On the other hand, the 06 is PEAKING now. I really like the overall balance that this bad boy packs. Merus is my favorite BIG Over the top Napa Cab, and I think the wines are getting better and better. I recently had the 02 in both 750 and 1.5l it was a real mix of results. People I know who LOVE huge over 16% big oak wines, LOVED it, others with a more balanced palate were not as into it.
I went w the 2002 and am drinking it right now…HUGE WINE. Great showing from Herold…wouldnt want to drink this all the time; its like a very rich food that way. But wow if u are in to big napa wines this is great. It almost doesnt need food or might be better w o it as it so big it stands alone. Very interesting.