Clarendon Hills Clarendon Brookman Merlot 2005
Roman Bratasiuk pulls no punches with his opulent wines. This Merlot features ripe fruit and the cigar box characters we often associate with Bordeaux. The texture is oh so plush. P&B in Blewitt Springs 14.5% $60 suggested retail in the United States Clarendon Hills
Geyser Peak Alexander Valley Reserve Alexandre Meritage 2004
Geyser Peak has been producing this wine for 25 years. The 2004 smells of brown spices while in the mouth there is a nice tang of acidity to go with the chewy tannins. Lay this down for a good 8 years. It is composed of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 19% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged for 18 months in French oak, 40% of which was new. P&B in Geyersville 14.5% $49 at the winery Geyser Peak
Snake River Idaho Reserve 2003
This wine is evolving quickly, smelling of stewed fruit and raisins and tasting of tart fruit that lasts. 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 11% Malbec and 5% Cab Franc. P&B in Parma 13.9% $25.99 at the winery for the previous vintage. Snake River
Guenoc 59% Napa 41% Lake Langtry Meritage Red Wine 1998
There’s lots of sweet fruit to smell. The mouth is softened out, thick and luscious, lasting a long time. This wine has been a personal favorite since visiting Lilly Langtry’s home years ago where I swear we had a supernatural encounter with her. This vintage is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot 9% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc. P&B in Middletown 14.5% $40 at the winery for the current 2005 vintage. I don’t know that you would be able to find this cellar selection anywhere today. Guenoc
