Cupcake Vineyards-Merlot-Central Coast-California-2008-$10.99-A nose of dark fruit and spice, dark purple in color. A smooth, easy drinking red, medium bodied, with black cherry, chocolate, plum, a very good QPR and mid week wine. NR- CR-87 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.
Swanson Vineyards-Merlot-Oakville-Napa Valley-California-2005-$20.99-A spicy nose of dark fruit, dark in color. Cherry, toasty vanilla notes, red currants, and Asian spice. A smooth enjoyable Merlot, I had not drank a Merlot for some time and so I am glad I tried this one. Second time I have tried this year, a solid wine. WS-87 CR-90 Good with chicken, steak, pasta.
Chad Wine Co.-Merlot-Reserve-Napa Valley-California-2007-$15.00-A nose of dark fruit, dark ruby in color. A smooth spicy red, ripe plum, black cherry, spice and minerals, a very good value. NR CR-89 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.
Chappellet Vineyard-Merlot-Napa Valley-California-2006-$24.99-A nose of red currants and cedar, dark ruby in color. A smooth medium to full bodied red, red currants, cherries, spicy chocolate with a very good finish. I just started drinking Merlot again and this is a good one. WS-90 WE-90 CR-90 Good with chicken, pork and pasta.
Parcel 41 Wine Co.-Merlot-Napa Valley-California-2006-$12.99-A ripe nose of dark fruit and spice, dark amber in color. Blackberry, black currants, spice and some cocoa, a smooth enjoyable wine, a very good value. NR CR-87 Good with burgers, chicken, pasta.
Yates Family Vineyard-Fleur De Veeder-Merlot-Napa Redwoods Estate-Mount Veeder-California-$33.95-A nose of sweet dark fruit and spice, dark purple in color. A full bodied, delicious Merlot, yes it’s a Merlot, 100%, cassis, raspberry, velvet favors, mocha, a very long finish. WE-88 CR-92 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.
It’s great to see Merlot getting a little bit of appreciation, after having gotten such a bad rap in “Sideways.” A noble grape, it produced one of the greatest Bordeauxs ever bottled (and the most expensive bottle of wine sold in 2009). It seems to be making a comeback, however.
Thanks,
Paul Kalemkiarian
President, the Original Wine of the Month Club