Category Archives: Merlot

Smith Haut Lafitte 2006

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 2006 The smells in the nose include raspberries, cherries, leather and the sweetness and toastiness of oak. In the mouth it is earthy and smoky, exhibiting complexity and a supple texture – very approachable. The … Continue reading

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Justin Justification 2006

Justin Vineyards & Winery, Paso Robles, Justification 2006 The nose features crushed leaves, black fruits, cookie dough with vanilla and  sweet tobacco. In the mouth it is quite structured, tight at this point, just a baby. Yet the fruit is … Continue reading

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Ariel Merlot 2007

Ariel, Dealcoholized, Merlot 2007 Simple and light-bodied. 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 Bottle Barn Ariel Vineyards

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Chateau Puy Arnaud Cotes de Castillon 2005

Chateau Puy Arnaud, Cotes de Castillon 2005 The oak makes its presence known when you smell this wine. In the mouth the full ripeness of the fruit comes through, with ample concentration and plenty of structure – a solid value … Continue reading

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Jayson Napa Valley Red 2005

Jayson, Napa Valley, Red 2005 This Bordeaux-style blend is opulently fruity and imminently approachable – no need to let this dawdle in the cellar. Our good friend Richard Trost brought this to dinner last night and we enjoyed it with … Continue reading

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Napa Valley Rutherford Reds

Trinchero Winery, Napa Valley, Rutherford, Chicken Ranch Vineyard, Merlot 2005 Give the wine a bit of air for 10 minutes or so to blow off a bit of funk. Then the plummy fruit combines with the wet forest floor and … Continue reading

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Pride Merlot 2007

Pride Mountain Vineyards, 56% Sonoma County, 44% Napa County, Merlot 2007 In the nose you’ll find tons of sweet oak and brown spices. In the mouth it is very smooth, suppleness defined, while at the same time very dense and … Continue reading

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The wines of Newton Vineyard

Winemaker Chris Millard had an opportunity to visit with our Napa Valley class to describe the wines that he is crafting at Newton. On top of the mountain overlooking St. Helena, he has an extraordinary amount of fruit to select … Continue reading

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Merlot, Napa Valley | Tagged | Leave a comment

Kendall-Jackson Stature 2001

Kendall-Jackson, Napa Valley, Stature 2001 There’s a nice ripe structure to this wine, giving it chewiness and the acidity to frame the still quite youthful fruit – nice. The grapes behind this Bordeaux blend are about 2/3 Cabernet Sauvignon and … Continue reading

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Pope Valley Merlot 2006

Pope Valley Winery, Napa Valley, Eakle Ranch, Merlot 2006 The nose if full of oak and chocolate. In the mouth the wine is supple with plummy fruit and plenty of acidity to make it a refreshing – an elegant wine.  … Continue reading

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