This wine is dark in color with a nice plummy nose on it. A hint that this may well be a John Galea varietal Merlot. On the mid pallet are some plums, some cherries and dark berries. On the finish right out of the bottle was a hint of pepperyness and some Oak. With some breathing the pepperyness (which for me does not belong on a Merlot) gave way leaving a reasonably varietal Merlot. This wine is somewhere between a Merlot and a cab. The sweetness is under control as is the alcohol and oak. It is slightly fruit forward. I would give it an 89-90. Not a bad Merlot at all.
From the LCBO web site:
BLACKSTONE WINESMAKER’S SELECT MERLOT 2008 VINTAGES 606327 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
Made in: California/Californie, United States By: Constellation Wines U S
Release Date: Jan 22, 2011
Tasting Note
Inky, almost opaque, rich and luscious, this will bowl you over with its deft balance and concentrated fruit flavours. Delectable aromas and flavours – black plum, dark, ripe cherry and spicy pomegranate – are consistent throughout gliding along on a bed of ripe tannin and wonderful moderating tang. It’s structured, medium bodied with a lengthy finish. This punches well above the price with the price-quality ratio skewed in your favour. Score – 4 Stars (out of 5). (Vic Harradine, www.winecurrent.com, Nov. 11, 2010)
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