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Wines
of the Week: Merlot for May
It's
May and that means grilling season is underway. So, whether
you prefer a juicy hamburger or a steak cooked to perfection,
you'll want a good wine at a good price to accompany your meal.
These Merlots are ideal, as they're all under $20 and quite
tasty, especially with food.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Alexander
Valley Vineyards 2015 Merlot
Winery:
Alexander Valley Vineyards
Grape(s): Merlot
Region: Alexander Valley, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A melange of blackberries, plums, black cherries, and
earthy aromas rise up from a glass. The palate showcases
flavors of cherry, plum, and bramble berry with elements
of cocoa, earth, and cedar backing them up. Not overly
fruity like so many Merlots on the market, fans of drier,
more savory reds will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89 |
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Beaulieu
Vineyard 2015 Merlot
Winery:
Beaulieu Vineyard
Grape(s): Merlot
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Lots of blackberries, plums, and currants interweave among
elements of toasty vanilla and mocha on the nose. A sip
reveals flavors of cassis, blackberry, and cherry that
flow into nuances of coffee, clove, and toasty oak. With
inviting fruit and balanced tannins, it's a Merlot to
open when serving hamburgers.
Rating: 89 |
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Rodney
Strong 2014 Merlot
Winery:
Rodney Strong
Grape(s): Merlot
Region: Sonoma County, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of cherries, plums, cocoa, and fresh herbs rises
up from a glass. Smooth on the palate, flavors of blackberry,
cherry, and dark plum emerge alongside allusions of dark
chocolate, herbs, and toasty oak. Not a "fruit-bomb"
Merlot that's overdone; this bottle offers a nice balance
of flavors.
Rating: 89 |
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Markham
2015 Merlot
Winery:
Markham
Grape(s): 90%
Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 5% Petite Sirah
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Plums, blackberries, and cherries come together with notes
of mint and toasty vanilla on the nose. Medium-bodied,
the wine presents flavors of black cherry, blackberry,
and currant that move into whispers of vanilla, cola,
and eucalyptus on the palate. Elegant, with nice fruit
and a "old-school" minty hint, it's a wine that
will pair well with a steak.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
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