($17): This wine should dissuade any doubters that the Merlot grape can produce complex, deep wines with structure.  Denser and riper than Chateau Ste. Michelle’s very good regular 2005 bottling (previously reviewed), the Indian Wells Merlot has more of everything, but is less revealing at this stage.  It’s a formidable wine with chocolate elements that emerge from the black fruit flavors with time in the glass.  With air the tannins also soften.  Wonderfully balanced–nothing sticks out–it will reward cellaring for at least a few years to allow the flavors to blossom.  If you can’t wait, open Chateau Ste. Michelle’s regular Merlot or decant this one an hour or so before dinner. 92 Michael Apstein Feb 24, 2009