Gainey’s track record for Merlot in Santa Ynez Valley is unexcelled. If the wines seldom are world-class great, they’re seldom less than succulent and delicious. The ’05 exemplifies the house style, a dry, rich wine, brimming with blackberry, cherry and new oak flavors that are wrapped into a fine, complex tannin-acid structure. Drink now.——S.H.(8/1/2008)—— 90