Wine Varietals
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Merlot Red Wine
One of the French noble grapes, the Merlot varietal is medium to dark red in color, rich, with fruit characteristics of black currant, cherry and mint. A cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon – typically grown and developed in the St. Emilion and Pomerol regions (the “right bank”). It typically ripens a bit earlier than Cabernet, which usually gives it a softer, silkier wine which matures a little sooner. Used as one of the major blending grapes in the Medoc area of France, it has really come into its own in the California region. Grown and produced here, wines of 100% Merlot took hold in the U.S. market and really took this grape into the spotlight.
It can be enjoyed sooner than the Cabernet Sauvignon due to its shorter aging time and soft tannins, yet has similar rich flavors.
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2006 Merlot
El Dorado (Napa Valley)
The Merlot is one of our most evolving wines- changes in the glass that is quite extraordinary and sort of reminds of a Pessac Leognan Bordeaux! With a couple of differences of course…on the front end there’s quite a lot of fruit—candied apples and cranberries at Thanksgiving, with some caramelized oak to balance it out. As it breathes in the glass, it really takes on its earthy roots. It continues to evolve and you are in for a real change—from the bottom of the glass comes a layer of pencil lead and leather. Below that is a smoky combination of coffee and soy.
The ripe fruity aspect of the wine comes through immediately in the mouth with the apples and cranberries. A touch of sweet plum finishes this off and leaves a clean finish, which is not exceptionally long, but leaves your mouth wanting more.
This wine is definitely a "ready now" candidate for nearly all foods. Enjoy!
Vintages
2005 Merlot
El Dorado (Napa Valley)
A harvest late in the year in the Sierra foothills, at a great altitude of 3500 feet, allowed the maturation process of the grapes to slow down. Many growers and makers believe the longer the grape sits on the vine, the more flavor and body accumulates in the grape.
With caramel and butterscotch flavors, and a drier finish than is first apparent, this wine works well with food. Other flavors of cherry, raspberry, red apple, and cinnamon are enmeshed with the toast of new barrels.
2004 Merlot
Allegresse Vineyards
Tasting notes not available.
2003 Merlot
Tasting notes not available.
2002 Merlot
Tasting notes not available.