|
|
 |
Retrospective - In Defense of Merlot
Thanks to everyone that attended our Defense of Merlot tasting - and what a tasting it was. We all agreed that Merlots are back again. No longer insipid with green herbaceous taste. The wines were all rich with great balance of fruit, acidity and tannins. The wines showcased different styles based on the regions of the world and winemaking techniques. We had wine ranging from big and bold like a Cabernet, to softer and easier drinking wines, with all the hallmarks of a good Merlot.
So, without further ado, here are the wines that we tasted and my ratings (out of 5 stars):
|
| |
|
Falesco, Merlot, Umbria, IGT, Italy, 2005 |
|
 |
Made under the tutelage of the famous Riccardo Cotarella, this wine represents the best of the new and the old world. A delightful nose and palate of ripe black fruits finishing with nice grip and touch of austerity |
|
|
|
|
Carmen, Merlot, Reserve, Valle Del Rapel, Chile, 2005 |
|
|
Consistently a great buy from Chile, this wine showcased a bit of vegetal character and a touch of oak on the nose. The flavor reminded me of black cherries. However, the wine had just a green vegetal tinge on the finish, what I like to call the Chilean funk. Could use a bit more time in the bottle. |
|
|
|
|
Tangley Oaks, Merlot, Napa Valley, CA, 2005 |
|
|
Here is a quintessential Napa Merlot - a lush wine with sweet flavors of red cherries and berries and black plum leading to a nice soft finish. An easy wine to drink. Great for summer parties at a great price. |
|
|
|
|
Chateau St. Michelle, Merlot, Columbia Valley, WA, 2005 |
|
|
I have always said that some of the best Merlots come from Washington State. And this wine pretty much sums it all. This is a well balanced and structured wine showcasing black plums and cherries with hints of chocolate. A great finish ending with fine tannins. This one lingers. I know that Chateau St. Michelle is a big winery, but they have done this wine really well. |
|
|
|
|
Artesa, Merlot, Sonoma/Napa, CA, 2004 |
|
|
Another wine showing rich lush California fruit. A bit more structured than Tangley Oaks with nice acidity and bigger tannins on the finish. |
|
|
|
|
Château Couronneau, Cuvée Pierre de Cartier, Bordeaux, 2006 |
|
|
My favorite wine of the night. This one is big - like a Cabernet. Made from organically grown grapes, this wine has a beautiful nose of black cherries, cedar, earth and chocolate. Grips you on the palate with well behaved tannins that coat 4 1/2your mouth. Rich and decadent, this wine lasts a long time. Needs some time in the bottle but who can wait. Great with grilled steaks. |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
