Tasting Notes: The 2007 Merlot Reserve Mailbox Vineyard (350 cases of 100% Merlot) is one of the most backward, tannic, structured Merlots from Napa Valley. That said, this opaque purple-hued wine reveals hints of tremendous richness and intensity as well as abundant notes of cocoa, chocolate, wood spice, and red and black fruits. The tannins kick in at the end, and the wine seems atypically structured and accessible for a Merlot, but it is locked and loaded. Most Merlot lovers will probably find it too backward and inaccessible at present, but after 4-5 years of cellaring, it should turn out to be a fascinating example of Merlot from Spring Mountain. It, too, should evolve for 25+ years.