Merlot
MERLOT WINE TASTING NOTES, NOVEMBER 12, 2022
Tabor 2014 Adama Merlot (Galilee) @ $18.99: Kosher Wine Direct: Produced from select Merlot grapes grown on rich volcanic soil in the Moshav of Ramot Naftali in the Upper Galilee region, this wine has pronounced flavors of black forest fruits, with undertones of plums and tobacco. The Upper Galilee Merlot grapes provide the wine with a complexity that combines spicy aromas of Mediterranean herbs with the velvety, elegant body typical to the variety. Wine Enthusiast: Dark ruby in color, this wine features aromas of cassis, coffee and green pepper. It offers a nice mix of fruit and savory flavors, notably cassis, stewed plums, smoke and espresso. Mellow tannins continue into a coffee-bean finish.
Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Merlot 2014 @ $24.99: Colchagua Valley, Chile. Winemaker Notes: Marques de Casa Concha, is dark, deep red in color with intriguing notes of currant, plum, wild berry, and spice with a touch of vanilla and mocha for dimension. Medium bodied with black-cherry flavors, followed by bittersweet chocolate and spice. Complexity develops out of its firm, quiet and supple core. Enjoy with red and white meats, pasta, and cheese.
Founder's Ranch Napa Merlot @ $24.99: 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot. Wine Maker's notes: (Blog) Dark, ripe fruit flavors accented by notes of dark chocolate with a silky mouthfeel and lingering finish. (Info sheet) Lively dark fruit aromas of raspberry and boysenberry jump from the glass with notes of dark chocolate and a touch of earthy undertones. Beautifully textured with layers of black cherry, baked berry pie and spice cake are complemented by hints of vanilla bean. The plush palate leads to a juicy and balanced finish.
Northstar Winery Merlot 2019 @ $34.99: Columbia Valley (Walla Walla), Washington: 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Tasting Notes: The 2019 vintage has rich concentrated aromas of black cherry, cedar, and mocha that lead into flavors of raspberry, chocolate, cherry, and vanilla. The wine is bold and bright.... Food Pairings: Dry rubbed boneless pork ribs, prime rib with shiitake mushroom risotto, and herb roasted chicken and grilled spiced cauliflower.
Chateau Puy-Blanquet 2016 St. Emilion Grand Cru @ $39.99: Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2016 Puy-Blanquet is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. It has plenty of lush red cherry and cranberry fruit on the nose, a smear of vanilla from the new oak that will be subsumed by the time of bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly rustic tannin. Yes, there is a bit of hardness here, but that will soften, and there is plenty of freshness on the grainy finish. Fine.