Savvy wine buy: ‘99 Black Opal Cabernet Merlot

Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2001 | 9:02 a.m.

This soft, ripe wine derives its name from Australia's most famous gemstone. Like many great wines from Bordeaux, it is a blend of grape varietals, in this case 88 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 12 percent Merlot. The Cabernet grape gives this wine its distinctive ripeness, and the Merlot provides the creamy softness. Like top-drawer French reds, this wine is barrel-aged in new oak for 12 months. It's a bit tannic, and it should be at its peak in a couple of years, so lay it down if you can wait.

Available at Smith's, $11.49, ($9.59 with Fresh Values Card), and Nevada Wine Cellar, $9.99.

-- Max Jacobson

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