Ray's Station Sonoma Merlot 2002

Macho Merlot? With a glass of this in one hand, conversation can easily turn into manly pontification.

Ray's Station Vineyards is engaged in the emerging wine marketing trend dubbed "gender vending", claiming to "make hearty red wine for men". No white wines are offered by the label, nor is Pinot Noir.  Ray's Station touts associations with

rugged Sonoma pioneer John Ray, fly fishing, dogs, and a galloping stallion is on every label. Adolfo Alarcon* is Winemaker. Ray's Station Sonoma Merlot 2002 is 83% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cab Franc, from Alexander Valley. Aging was 16 monoths in primarily French oak. Tasting Notes. Color: Deep ruby red. Aromas: Black cherry, chocolate, cassia/spice, and forest floor. A full-bodied Merlot with lots of tannic structure, concentrated tart red fruit essences plus cola flavored oak overtones carry well in the warm dry finish. Closure: Real cork. Excellent value ($15).

*Alarcon joined Ray's Station in 2000, and in March, 2005 was appointed head Winemaker. Alarcon previously worked for Franciscan, Antinori (in Italy), and Grgich Hills.