Yates Family Vineyard-Fleur De Veeder-Merlot-Mount Veeder-California-2009-14.7% Alcohol-$37.00-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. Search out this winery, had a private tasting last year with Michael and Whitney Yates, great family, great wine. NR CR-92 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.
Napa Redwoods Estate-Yates Family Vineyard-Cheval-Cabernet Franc-2009-14.5% Alcohol-$37.00-A nose of dark fruits and spice, dark garnet in color. A medium to full bodied red, with black cherry, blackberry, cherry vanilla coke and spice on long finish. This little known winery always delivers quality juice. NR CR-91 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.
Titus Vineyards-Cabernet Franc-Napa Valley-California-2007-14.5% Alcohol-$35.00-A nose of dark fruits and spice, dark garnet in color. A medium to full bodied red, with blueberry, cherry, currant with a tar spiced finish. In a good drinking zone, was layered with smooth flavors and was delicious, has gotten better with time. WS-88 WE-84 CR-91 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.
The Hogue Cellars-Merlot-Reserve-Wahluke Slope-Washington State-2007-14.3% Alcohol-$22.95-A nose of black cherry and spice, dark garnet in color. A full bodied Merlot, with back cherry, currants, with Asian spices, better than last tried six months ago. WE-88 CR-90 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.
Swanson Vineyards-Merlot-Oakville-Napa Valley-California-2008-14.8% Alcohol-$24.99-A nose of black cherry and spice, dark garnet in color. A medium to full bodied Merlot, with black cherry, raspberry, currants and licorice, smooth spiced finish, a good Merlot. WS-87 WE-92 CR-90 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.