There's a Merlin Taiga for sale locally, it seems they were available in '96, '97 and '98. Reviews online are favourable but complain about the weight (for a Ti frame).
Merlin made them, with a mix of PG and 3-2.5 tubes. Merlin quality, great ride, killer looks. Weight? Heftier than an XLM, but not very heavy. If the price is convenient, just go for it!
Thanks for the info guys, after a test ride it was too big for me (18" seat tube but 23" top tube ). Good deal, though at $425 for the complete bike with Judy forks and Maguras.