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Merlot Wine Tasting Notes
2004 Trinchero Family
Monterey County Merlot
Score: 85.0
An enticing nose of cherry and raspberry jam and allspice, dry and somewhat austere on the palate, with soft tannins and good acidity. Drink now through 2012.
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2005 McManis Family Vineyards
California Merlot
Score: 87.0
Ripe black cherry and loganberry compote with toasty oak overtones, soft tannin, full body and a lingering, mouthfilling finish. Excellent value.
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2002 Vine Cliff Winery
Napa Valley Merlot
Score: 91.0
Blackberry-cherry jam with scents of mint that carry through to the palate with subtle soil-mineral notes, silky texture, soft tannin, good acidity. Easy drinking now, it will reward further ageing for the next 7 to 10 years. My favorite Vine Cliff to date.
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2003 Sebastiani
Alexander Valley Merlot Appellation Selection
Score: 91.0
For those of you who want to experience a cult wine without the cult wine price, try this elegant blend from Alexander Valley. Principally Merlot (76%), it also contains Cabernet Sauvignon 12.5%, Syrah 5.5%, Petite Verdot 3%, and Cabernet Franc 3%. Full of black cherry fruit with hints of mocha, maple syrup and sage, it's nearly as silky a good Pinot Noir. Perfectly balanced for current drinking, but should last 5 to 10 years. Excellent value.
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2001 J. Lohr Cuvee POM
Paso Robles [Merlot]
Score: 92.0
Cuvee (blend) POM refers to Pomerol, that section of Bordeaux where Merlot is king. Appropriately, POM is a blend of 96% Merlot and only 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, but it's jammy character is indicative of its New World origins. POM displays sweet blackberry-blueberry fruit with a hint of licorice, dark chocolate and a dollop of oak spice. The silky texture will remind you of Pinot Noir. In terms of sheer intensity of flavor I'd give it 100 points, but I have to deduct for the high alcohol (15.6%) and the resultant hot finish. If you're not put-off by the alcohol, POM has that WOW!-Factor that will impress your friends.
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1999 "Marchesi de Frescobaldi, Robert Mondavi" Danzante
Merlot della Sicilia
Score: 86.0
I love this wine. It's wonderfully grapey, smooth, with light tannin and youthful, exuberant fruit. Uncomplicated, but not unsophisticated, it has refined structure and balance. Perfect for restaurant service.
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1998 Chateau Souverain
Alexander Valley Merlot
Score: 86.0
"Cabernet Sauvignon comprises 25% of this Merlot, but organoleptically it takes on the dominant role, adding black currant fruit and firm tannins. Also present are notes of bitter sweet chocolate and orange peel."
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1998 R.H. Phillips Toasted Head
Dunnigan Hills Merlot
Score: 85.0
"When a barrels staves are bent over fire they become toasted. Traditionally, the heads of the barrel (which represents 25% of the area the wine comes into contact with) were not toasted. Toasting the heads of American oak barrels gives them a scent and flavor not unlike French oak barrels, hence the term 'Toasted Head.' This Merlot is dense and, yes, toasty, with medium tannins, cherry fruit and a warm finish."
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1998 Blackstone Winery
Napa Valley Merlot
Score: 91.0
"A blend of 88% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon from 10 different vineyards in Napa, the Blackstone Merlot is a beautifully scupted wine. Medium-bodied, round and elegant, it has a nose with notes of black cherry, blackberry, cherry Coke, roasted nuts and subtle oak texturing. Every element is in balance. A fabulous wine for current drinking, its a good match for grilled steak or smoked salmon."
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1998 Kenwood
Sonoma County Merlot
Score: 88.0
"A beautiful wine with forward black cherry and crab apple fruit, supple tannins, a hint of straw and black olive. Silky smooth and superbly balanced, its ready to drink now."
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1998 Clos du Bois
Sonoma County Merlot
Score: 87.0
"While some wineries seem intent on pushing the envelope, Clos du Bois is content to concentrate on balance and elegance. This Merlot is a good case in point. It is both approachable and complex. Lush cherry-berry fruit, light toast and soft tannin coupled with faint green tea and oak notes gives this wine its broad appeal, and makes it an easy wine to uncork when entertaining and at family get togethers."
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1997 Van Asperen Vineyards
Napa Valley Merlot
Score: 87.0
"A delicious Merlot - deep cherry fruit, a thin thread of chocolate, and cinnamon accents, along with moderate tannin, make this Merlot easy drinking now. "
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1997 Nickel & Nickel
Suscol Ranch Napa Valley Merlot
Score: 88.0
"Blackberry-currant nose, medium bodied with firm, well-integrated tannin on the palate, and a long, lightly spicy finish. Very fine structure and balance."
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1998 Forest Glen
California Merlot
Score: 89.0
"Reminiscent of pipe tobacco - sweet, aromatic, perfumy, black cherry and black currant fruit, moderate tannin, and a surprisingly long finish thats full of fruit and subtle spice. A real bargain. "
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1998 Dry Creek Vineyard
Sonoma County Merlot
Score: 94.0
"Dry Creeks Merlot is like none other; its more intense and complex than any other on the market. Its made up of layers of blackberry, black cherry, chocolate, vanilla creme, cinnamon and toast. It has medium tannin and a lengthy finish with smoke and spice accents. Buy a case and parcel them out over the next decade. "
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Tasting notes 1 to 15 of 59
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