2008 shadowood merlot

Merlot...really have struggled to find one I can get ga-ga over...the best I have had to date is from long island, ironically enough, duck walk winery. So, having said that, trying this merlot from California.With some cheddar cheese, which I had switched from garlic crackers as I thought the garlic would overpower the merlot.Nice nose, but lacked a really good finish. I'll have three more tries to pair this wine with something better...