2006 was a relatively cool year on the North Fork, but the vineyard management and wine making teams at Bedell Cellars were able to coax impressive amounts of ripeness out of the grapes that went into Bedell Cellars 2006 Reserve Merlot ($48).

The nose offers intense red cherry and plum aromas with quite a bit of toasty oak and vanilla. After a few hours of air time, light hints of spring herbs emerge, but are still dominated by red fruit and oak.

Medium bodied and mouth filling in the flavor department, the palate shows red raspberry and red cherry candy flavors, with lots of oak and vanilla. The tannins are ripe and well integrated, but don't provide enough structure to make this a no-brainer for long-term aging.