^ Generally speaking the higher the alcohol %, the bolder & richer the wine.
Not sure what the 2012 Cab was, but probably was 13.5%. it is a more medium bodied, fruitier wine. The Merlot is actually 14.5% according to sticker on my bottles... it does have more "oomph" than the Cab
I'll be cracking open a bottle of the '13 Cab next week, so will see if I like it the same
Ted - will have a look for that Zin - thanks