Tag Archives: California merlot

Gundlach-Bundschu Estate Vineyard Mountain Cuvee 2016, Sonoma Valley, USA

26 Sunday Aug 2018

Posted by in Wine

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,


A mellow blend of the traditional Bordeaux varieties- this wine is a pretty purple in the  glass with long legs showing.  The nose is plump with dark fruits, some cherry cola and a touch of cinnamon.  The initial palate is very rounded, soft and smooth.  It features black currants, black olives, oregano.  It has a great mouthfeel due to the very slight tannic structure which is really balanced well with the gentle acidity.  This is a quaffing wine for sure, with a drink now date.  The finish is medium in length and dark fruit dominated.  It has a hint of charcoal on the end and some plum tart.  I really like this wine for what it is, the 89 points are not a slam- it just lacks the backbone to cellar and evolve which detract from a numerical score.  This would be great with light appetizers or as a base for a wine sauce.  It really has a lovely fullness to it.  $19 and 4 stars.  If I had to blind taste it, the soft and supple mouthfeel scream Merlot.  Salut….

Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Merlot 2013, California, USA

23 Thursday Mar 2017

Posted by in Wine

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,


No nose- I’m sitting in an airplane with a plastic cup.  The initial impression I get is of mellow plums, really nice acidity and some earthiness.  The mid palate is generous with the dark fruits and I am enjoying the very mild dryness the tannins are giving.  On second thought, it is really packed with plum flavors.  The finish is shortish but tasty.  The strength of this wine lies on the generous mid palate, which is where the flavors and technical components all seem to materialize.  Considering I am cooped up in a pressurized tube I think the winemakers have a winner here.  They have crafted something I am really enjoying.  90 points and kudos.  I paired it with pasta and meatball, courtesy of United Airlines.  For $19 this wine gets 4 stars and is widely available.  Salut….

kendall jackson merlot

The meatball and pasta

 

Merryvale Merlot Napa Valley 2008

18 Saturday Apr 2015

Posted by in Wine

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,


I like this winery’s style.  Merryvale gets the right balance of extraction and finesse.  I tried to visit their tasting room last month in Napa but it was not my scene.  Dark and crowded with drunks falling off the bar stools, it reminded me of the old west or Georgetown on a Friday night during my college days.  I didn’t let that detract from my impressions and enjoyment of their wine though.  This Merlot is very dark and brooding in the glass with a nose of black currants, oregano and dried herbs.  A crisp linear initial attack of currant, stewed plum and dark berry compote. Immense tannic thrust on the gums is delightful and balanced by mouth watering acidity. Wowsa. This wine has a long finish and good cellaring potential. I enjoyed it with Cajun rubbed ribeyes, a perfect combination. 2015/2022 would be a good estimate.  92 points make this $45 wine worthy of 4 stars.  Salut….

merryvale merlot napa valley

Clifton Springs Merlot 2010

18 Wednesday Jul 2012

Posted by in Wine

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,


Dubbed “The California Kings” this is the first of three Cali wines in the flight at Vino Volo. I am serving a 4 hour delay in absolute misery… Leather chairs, soft music, charcuterie and tasting portions of some amazing wines.

On the nose- typical Merlot… Oh oh. Never mind, it all comes good. The initial palate is a smoothed out dark cherry that is somewhat muted, not so ‘in your face’. Very smooth, I must say, with a hint of dryness, a touch of heat and a good balance. Not built for the long run, this one is a very good effort for near term drinking. Weighing in at only 12.5%, I’m somewhat surprised. I can make out some oak, which may bother some hedonists, but it integrates well and adds smoothness. I am picturing this wine as a good Flank steak partner, it needs meat to come out and join the party. 4 stars because I like it and it’s a decent priced wine… Possibly an 89 pointer from the big guys. It’s time to get back into Merlot people, it was just a movie….

20120718-195311.jpg