Juicy and appealing, with cherry soda, cinnamon and vanilla custard notes on a supple body. The fruit flavors are ripe but balanced, with spice and chai tea notes and tannins that offer grip on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 1,984 cases made, 556 cases imported.

Scents of cedar, mocha and cherries mark the nose of Mollydooker's 2017 The Scooter Merlot. Despite ample alcohol (it's labeled at 16% alcohol), it comes across as only medium to full-bodied, as the tannins are so supple. There is a bit of warmth evident on the finish, so I'd drink this over the near term.