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Wine Details
Price:
$45.00 per bottle
Description:
This vintage is showing more of its stuff at a younger age than the 2001 did, but is just as powerful and age worthy as its predecessor. It is a wine of huge concentration; the aromas can almost resemble that of a dry vintage port, continuing with cherries, boysenberries, blackberries, cumin and smoke. It unfolds in layers on the palate, with explosive levels of thick, sweet cherry and blackberry fruit, smooth tannins and a firm level of acidity that seems to balance all the extreme characteristics of this wine. It was aged in 100% French oak for 40 months and bottled unfiltered. This is a big time Merlot that is really beginning to drink well and will be improving for many decades. $45/bottle
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Varietal Definition
Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.
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