20 Sep
Merlot, Russian River Valley, $19
Another great Merlot from the much maligned grape; fresh blueberry, black plum, chocolate and leather dance on the palate with structure and elegance. Multi-layered and balanced with licorice and spice coming through a long, lush finish, drink now thru 2014.
13 Jul
Merlot, Sonoma County, 3 L, $25
I have to say I was served this Merlot and was not told it was out of a box. With that said, I was surprised how well rounded and polished it was. Flavors of Bing cherries, earth, cedar and oak wash across the palate nicely. The finish adds more [...]
14 Jun
Diamond River 2005 Merlot (Lutzville Valley); $10
Uncomplicated and easy to drink at a great price, you can’t beat that. Earth and spice on the nose lead to fresh raspberrys and more spice on the palate. Hints of vanilla lead to a well balanced soft finish.
27 May
Merlot, Napa Valley, California $12Some of the best Merlot’s come from Napa Valley, great style with incredible value. Rich plum and black cherries power the nose, while the palate is lush and subtle with smoke, leather, cedar and dark berries. Medium bodied and more smokey oak on complex long lasting finish.
24 May
Walla Walla Vintners 2005 Sagemoor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley); $40
Sagemoor Cabernet Sauvignon is the ’signature’ Cabernet Sauvignon for Walla Walla Vinters. This is a beautiful red blend, I got this as a gift because it’s out of my price range and I tried to save it but could not resist. 79% old vine Cabernet [...]
22 May
Merlot, Umbria, $16
Wow, this is why I love Merlot, value, style and intensity. Medium-bodied, lush fruit with chocolate, blackcherrie, leather and spice. This intensely concentrated, multi-layered Merlot is an oak bomb that finishes off with vanilla and caramel. This wine represents why Umbria makes some of the best large production wines on the market. This [...]
17 May
2006 Whistle Stop Red Columbia Valley $10
This is a well made wine for a budget price, I like red blends and this does not disappoint. Black cherries highlighted with clove and earth, throw in a little leather. Tannins are soften up with subtle vanilla and a little roasted coffee on a smooth finish. Drink now [...]
11 May
Santa Carolina 2006 Reserva Merlot (Colchagua Valley); $10
I think Merlot is one of the most under-appreciated and maligned grapes. Cedar, chocolate and big blueberry stand up to the prominent toasty oak rather nicely. Full bodied on the palate with undertones of espresso, blackberry and other ripe fruit. Finishes off with toffee, smoke and green herbs, [...]
