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not much upfront fragrance. Pleasant, but short, dry finish on the tongue. 2 Notes
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Rich, jammy, and tannic, with notes of blackberries and black currants. 1 Note
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OK, California fans, I don't know if you know this but Virginia has over 150 Wineries from north to south and from the Appalachians to the Atlantic. There are a few good ones, and I went to one in particular yesterday (4 April). They had an interesting tasting in that they pair certain foods with their wines, which tells you quite a bit about them. Their Merlot, which is actually not being released until September (2010), but which I was able to procure two bottles, was outstanding. Very fruit forward with blackberries, cherries, spice, and oak on the nose and palate. I thought I tasted a small hint of cinnamom. The color is quite nice as a rich purple. The wine sits in French oak for 12 months. Believe me when I say I was skeptical, but out of four wineries, I bought from three. Vintage Ridge Merlot: $20; released in Virginia in September. http://www.vintageridgewine.com/ 1 Note
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After visiting seven wineries over the last couple of days both in the Central and Northern AVAs of Virginia, I'm beginning to see a pattern on their reds list of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. While each varietal tastes a little different from winery to winery, they are all consistently good with one or two being outstanding over the others, depending on the winery and varietal. Merlot, in this instance, has been consistent. I'm not usually a Merlot fan, but I've noticed a more fruit forward flavor in Virginia Merlot compared to California... and France for that matter. Barrel Oak is a brand new winery and I believe that this is the first year they've offered it (vintage 2008). Barrel Oak had the benefit of local wine-maker Chris Pearmund's extensive production experience, meaning, Barrel Oak's wines have seen some commendation early on. This Merlot is complex with a lot of body and spicy, well-balanced acidity. The palate adventure begins with dark, rich cherries and vanilla, and finishes with dark roast coffee, which is quite velvety. It spent a total of 12 months in American and Hungarian oak. Pair this with pizza, pasta marinara, or enjoy by itself. www.barreloak.com 1 Note
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-Contemporary/Picasso-esque label -“Grippy” tannins on the inner cheeks; Cab lovers Merlot 1 Note
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Fat Bastard Wine Company Merlot - 2004
