I’ve had this one in the cellar since October of last year. A while back I did a tasting of aged Merlots. To my taste buds I did not find that Merlots aged any where near as well as cabs. So with this in mind I reached into the cellar and cracked this one open I love this wine. It has that lovely deep plum that I have in my mind as a varietal Merlot. I am talking a pure or relatively pure Merlot rather than one that is blended. I find Merlot such a subtle grape it can be so easily overwhelmed. So with that I cracked this one on our holidays to make a special moment. I was not disappointed the flavors have aged well but I must say this wine will not last a whole lot longer. The lovely fruit flavors are starting to succumb to the oaks and the like. So maybe it is just as well I only have one left in the cellar … 91 or so …
Reach out and grab one for yourself and experience how California does Merlot!
Check LCBO stock Note this is not the same year as this article … Sadly almost nothing left in the whole of Ontario as I write this …
From the LCBO Web site:
RODNEY STRONG MERLOT 2004 VINTAGES 497933 | 750 mL bottle
Price: $ 22.95 Wine, Red Wine, 13.7% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
Made in: California/Californie, United States By: Rodney Strong Vineyards
Release Date: Feb 14, 2009
Description
If Filet Mignon is on the menu this Valentine’s Day, this smooth and succulent Merlot will be a match made in heaven.
Tasting Note
Concentrated, with intense aromas and bold flavors that include red currant, cherry, mint, spicy vanilla and toasty oak. With a generous finish. Nothing wimpy about this Merlot! Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Robyn Tinsley, www.wineskinny.com, Aug. 2006)
