Nose: If plum-flavored tobacco exists, it must smell a lot like this wine. Sometimes it smells slightly meaty to me, other times the scent makes me think "burning hickory"--but most of the time, I think "tobacco." And plums. And there are berries in there. When left to open up for an hour or two, a chocolate scent comes through.

Taste: Tart cherries and juicy spiced plums with green beans, green bell peppers, another veggie I still can't put my finger on, and a licorice undercurrent. Mouthfeel is full, fleshy, and velvety. Tannins hug my palate. Hell, one of my favorite things about this wine is its grip. Finish is dry and very long, with sour cherries and plums.

Have I had better Pomerol? Sure--but "better Pomerol" makes my checking account weep. This Pomerol delivers a good merlot (and, guessing on the varietal blend, cabernet franc) experience for its price.