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Saturday, January 9, 2016

90+ Merlot 2014 (about $11)



About the Wine:  This year's 90+ Merlot is sourced from Mendocino, California  a region I've never much cared for, but that has produced some gems of late.  Hopefully this will be one of them.


About THIS Wine:  In the glass it is a dark but not quite opaque purple.  The legs are thick and run almost like a port.  When I first smelled it, I thought, "Smells like Merlot."  It has the dark, smoky quality on the nose that I always associate with the varietal.  Even after a little time to breath, the palate is very tight.  This is awfully young for a Merlot and I imagine it would have benefited from a little more age before release.  Tannins are present but not bracing in the finish.


Drinking This Wine:  Let it decant for a long time, at least an hour if not more.  This is the kind of bottle that will be better the second night.  Drink it with red meat.


Overall Impression:  I am a little disappointed but that is mostly because I've had such good luck with the brand.  At $11 per bottle this wine is reasonable for the price.