Category Archives: Merlot

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray

Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line.  Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Falesco Vitiano 2005

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Ray

Falesco, Umbria IGT, Vitiano 2005 This wine is showing nicely at a point in its evolution over 6 years since the grapes were harvested. It is light-bodied as expected, as it was in bottles tasted early on. Yet what we have … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Merlot, Sangiovese, Umbria | Tagged | 2 Comments

More Red Wines of Lake County

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Ray

Bell Hill, Lake County, Merlot 2005 When first tasted in July 2009, I wrote: the nose features sweet notes of vanilla and cherries while the mouth repeats with ripe tannins, just to let you know they are there – very … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Lake County, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Bordeaux grapes in wines across the globe

Posted on March 26, 2011 by Ray

This tour starts in California, moves to Bordeaux and finishes down under, featuring Merlot and both Cabernets. Redwood Creek, California, Merlot 2009 This is an easy-drinking quaffer, quite light, fruity and hinting at a bit of structure. Winemaker Cal Dennison. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Mudgee, New South Wales | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Ariel Merlot 2008

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Ray

Ariel, Dealcoholized, Merlot 2008 Simple, fruity, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla  on a light-bodied frame. Made and bottled by J. Lohr in San Jose. Contains less than one half of one percent alcohol by volume, purchased for $6.49 at … Continue reading →

Posted in Dealcoholized, Merlot | Tagged | Leave a comment

California Cabernet and Bordeaux Blends

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Ray

Paul Hobbs, Oakville Napa Valley, Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 The sense of Cassis is quite vibrant in the nose. The vividness of the fruit continues in the mouth with the structure of Cabernet. You know it’s Cabernet … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Merlot, Napa Valley, Oakville, Rutherford, Sonoma County | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Luna Merlot 2006

Posted on June 27, 2010 by Ray

Luna, Napa Valley, Merlot 2006 The nose features sweet oaky notes and black fruit. In the mouth the black fruits come through with cherries too. The suppleness of Merlot that most consumers seek is on full display in a light-bodied … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Merlot, Napa Valley | Tagged | 1 Comment

Left Bank Bordeaux

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Ray

Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2006 The nose of this wine features a strong whiff of smoky oak and leather with red fruits and sweet tobacco. In the mouth, the fruit comes alive, with fresh berries and dried cranberries and the accent … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Margaux, Merlot, Saint-Julien | Tagged , | 1 Comment

La Conseillante 2007

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Ray

Chateau La Conseillante, Pomerol 2007 Toasty, smoky oak meets blueberries and crushed leaves in the nose. In the mouth you’ll find an approachable wine, with ripe tannins, lots of black fruit, complementary leather and lingering acidity – very nice. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pomerol | Tagged | Leave a comment

United States Bordeaux blends 2006

Posted on May 10, 2010 by Ray

Kendall-Jackson, Knights Valley, Highland Estates, Trace Ridge, Red Wine 2006 Unfortunately this bottle is corked. The grapes behind this wine are 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for 19 months in French oak, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Knights Valley, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Virginia | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments