2005 Coppola Diamond Collection Merlot

We had this wine last night at Rick & Anne’s restaurant in Berkeley. It was modestly priced at $28, and we all loved it – even I, who does not in general like Merlots. This one in particular had a full body, was quite fruity without being sweet, and it was very well balanced – a hearty wine. There was little acidity and no tannins I could discern. I checked and it’s about $16-19 online. Apparently the Safeway close to my house has the 2003 on sale for $15 – so, even though I promised never to buy wine at Safeway again, I may pick up a bottle next time I go there.