Merlot tasting notes

1.) McManis Family Vineyards, 2011 Merlot, California

With a sweet nose of soft cherry, leather and vanilla, the wine itself had a woody character. It had flavors of cherry, vanilla, and a touch of bitter chocolate on the finish.  Moderately tannic with a touch of acidity, this wine is bigger than expected.  I could see drinking this with a stew.
 I rate this wine an 84, drink now.

2.) Little Black Dress, 2010 Merlot, California

A raspberry nose that drinks with a creamy, sweet, soft mouthfeel ( almost syrupy ).Finishes with a touch of wood, herbs and chocolate.  This wine while light and quaffable, is very enjoyable.  This could be a real crowd pleaser in a group of non-serious wine drinkers.
 I rate this wine an 86, drink now.

3.) Michael Pozzan, 2009 Merlot, Napa Valley, California

This wine hints of dark fruits with a touch of leather and cedar.  The wine is very soft and dry with very light tannins.  It also gives way to slight hints of graphite and dark chocolate.
 I rate this wine an 82, drink now.

4.) Ravens Wood, Vintners Blend, 2010 Merlot, California

Not much dimension to this wine at all.  Hints of black cherry, cedar and bitter chocolate.
 I rate this wine an 81, drink now.

5.) Avalon, 2010 Merlot, Napa Valley, California

The nose eluded to red or stone fruit, but the wine exhibited flavors of cherry and coffee with a light minerally quality, a touch of oak. This wine has a very nice balance that compliments the light tannins
 I rate this wine an 87, drink now.

6.) Wellington Vineyards, 2007 Merlot, Sonoma Valley, California

The nose hints of plum, currant, leather and cedar.  The wine opens with  jammy fruit, smooth soft tannins with a touch of acidity, then finishes with a compliment of cinnamon, leather an cedar.  Very smooth and drinkable.
 I rate this wine an 88, drink now or hold 2-3 years.

7.) Ghost Pines, Winemakers Blend, 2010 Merlot, 71% Sonoma County, 29% Napa County

This wine was a wonderful blend of eucalyptus, green pepper, perfumed berry fruit, cedar, leather and plum.  The wine has a smooth easy balance and begs for more.
 I rate this wine an 89, drink now or hold 3-4 years.

8.) Rutherford Hill, 2007 Merlot, Napa Valley, California

The nose suggests slightly sweet dark fruit.  First taste of this wine confirms that the alcohol is a little to high and the wine is slightly out of balance. It drinks with nuances of cedar, coffee and dark fruits.
 I rate this wine an 85, drink now.


By Tom Cook

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