Category Archives: Merlot

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2012 The Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon

Having heard vague news somewhere of Dave Matthews’ interest in wine, when we saw this 2012 The Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon in the store an impulse buy quickly resulted. It was my first sighting of the offering, but over the past several weeks have encountered the Dreaming Tree several more times–including at concert venues, appropriately enough.

Upon tasting, my first thought was of the big fruit flavor. You have a lot of blackberry feeling right off the bat, ample and sweet with an easy finish. Its dark fruit notes waft up out of your glass, nice and gently like a solo Leroi Moore might share with his band mates and assembled fans some night on stage. The first night the 2012 Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon accompanied grilled red meat; it made a curtain call two nights later with grilled chicken breasts that were expertly seasoned to taste. I think I may have preferred the main event?

Comments Dave’s partner, winemaker Steve Reeder, “The rhythm of our North Coast Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon highlights class aromas of blackberry, cherry, and herbal notes wrapped by toasted vanilla. It’s an easy-drinking wine with a lot of character.”

The guys age the 2012 for 18 months in oak barrels before blending–the 2012 actually is a blend of Cab (82%), Merlot (14%), and “other” (4%).  Some of the grapes in play here originate from our favorite region of Sonoma and do the area proud. The wine is pretty good; the story you tell your friends about drinking with Dave is even better.

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2011 Josh Cellars Merlot

Jackpot here in the 2011 Josh Cellars Merlot. At the end of a hot summer Saturday we broke out this purple Merlot, serving it in stemless glassware during a patio feast. This photo doesn’t quite do justice to this easy-finishing vintage, but it does capture some of the ambiance of our evening. Food, flick, and fun on the deck.

2011 Josh Cellars Merlot, Sonoma, California, USA.

2011 Josh Cellars Merlot, Sonoma, California, USA.

You correctly see a bountiful salad, mixed greens with fresh cucumbers harvested from my wife’s carefully managed garden (and bacon!), onions, assorted dressings, and seasoned steaks fresh from the grill. We were indeed hooked up for a patio viewing of The Grand Budapest Hotel and worked through the movie and bottle with equal effectiveness.

It tastes purple, definitely cherry and violet in big portions, and is actually a Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot (85%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). Among other facts, the winemaker remarks “A wine that is bold and expressive but unassuming and approachable.” Maybe that’s why it struck a great chord for this reviewer–it’s the way I might describe the overarching objectives of Notes Of Note.

My better half brought the 2011 Josh Cellars Merlot into my life and I’m grateful. It was luscious–such an easy finish too–and fruit-filled in an encouraging way. Merlot I usually consider a winter treat but good grapes apparently transcend the season.

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2012 Dead Bolt Winemaker’s Blend

A California red that comes together in an interesting tumble of red and black fruits, the Dead Bolt makes its mark on you as a consumer. We opened this bottle over the weekend but only finished it this evening with ground beef soup, tortilla corn chips, and buttered rolls. How did it take two sittings to partake of this 2012?

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The winemaker remarks, “Dead Bolt is a rich, round, and opulent California red of dark origins. A generous blend full of rich fruit flavors with a long textured finish.” Is that a little overstated for this working man’s red? Maybe a little, but it is a drink that’ll leave a smile on your face. Partially from this succulent wine; partially from the clever branding.
The 2012 Dead Bolt is the creation of Philip Laffer and brings together Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, and Shiraz–might be a kitchen sink in there too–into one helluva smooth red. And it works. We’ve got several interesting bottles awaiting us, but I will look forward to the chance to circle back to this one again soon.

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2012 Doña Dominga Merlot

We’re at cruising altitude over the East Coast and I sip the 2012 Merlot offered by Dona Dominga, a Chilean wine from the Colchagua Valley region. This leg of the journey home is but a short hop, so allowing this red to breathe is not really much of an option. Even now I think the captain is pinging the bell that signifies the start of our descent but I am determined to enjoy the beautiful sky, sunny here above the clouds, until we pivot for the ground…

2012 Dona Dominga Merlot, Chile.

2012 Dona Dominga Merlot, Colchagua Valley, Chile.

…And to enjoy too the Dominga. This clever little bottle displays the Chilean “Huaso” dance and, while the bottle itself shows some signs of wear, the grapes inside have kept comfortable; ready and ripe for sampling they swirl around this fancy US Airways plastic cup and beg for a better venue—and better glassware.

This Merlot, despite going immediately from bottle to taste buds, holds up reasonably well. It’s fragrant enough to send notes throughout my personal space, both lighter than a Cab and heavier than a Pinot Noir. As I swirl my glass here in the sunlight streaming through the window, the Dona Dominga almost looks like a blood offering to this weary traveler. On the palate the Dominga is surprisingly gentle and its scent a plum/berry combination. Just 187ML to sample and it’s nearly gone already.

Definitely not blackberries here; almost a cherry/strawberry vibe that I might not pick if I read it on a label…but a treat nonetheless as we streak homeward. I do like Meomi and know that US Airways doesn’t offer it on flights this short, so your choices for red are essentially the Tunupa and the Dominga. Twice previously I’ve gone with the former yet think I’ll repeat the Dominga on the next such occasion. I’m in good spirits (no pun intended) and hope you are too, wherever you’re reading this. Thanks for your continued interest and kind regards.

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2012 Braxton Hall Merlot

The 2012 Braxton Hall Merlot graced our table on two different evenings this week: the first with a casual cheeseburger; the second tonight with a grilled boneless NY strip steak.  Guiltily I confess potatoes – either one a “death row” choice for me – were the accompanying sides, and this red kept without issue over the four days between samplings.

2012 Braxton Hall Merlot, Santa Rosa, California, USA.

2012 Braxton Hall Merlot, Santa Rosa, California, USA.

Is it unusual for Merlot to be our grape of choice? Are we unnecessarily biased against Merlot after watching Sideways (2004)? Look at the numbers here in Notes and decide for yourself.  Pinot Noir, Cab, and Bordeaux are obvious favorites if you look strictly to the math, tasting notes, or our top-rated reds.  As over 19 million cases of California Merlot were sold in the U.S. alone in 2009, however, we are definitely swimming against the current if we have any such bias.

“This easy drinking wine offers aromas and flavors of cassis, black olive, and assorted berries.” That’s how the wine seller described the Braxton. I’d call it safe and right down the middle. The Braxton Hall is approachable, even, and mild. This vintage was solid – if unremarkable – and would be a fine option any time. Just not for a special occasion.

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14 Hands Merlot, Washington, USA

I’ve previously remarked that sometimes an enjoyable bottle of wine is less about the grapes and more about the company or the ambiance.  This could be one of those occasions, as the 14 Hands was a featured red served this evening during the Wedding Reception for my cousin and his new bride.

Held at the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the reception was really one-of-a-kind.  Guests had private access to stroll through the Aquarium prior to the cocktail hour, taking in the amazing creatures (e.g., puffins, rays, sharks, and fish of SO many varieties) and flora of the sea.  Windows overlooking the lights of the Inner Harbor granted us great views as we sipped and socialized with one another.

This was my first tasting of the 14 Hands, and it did the heavy lifting.  If you read Notes with any frequency you’ll know that we don’t often pull a Merlot, but this one would definitely work.  Serviceable, savory, and fruity, the 14 Hands–from the Columbia Valley in Washington–carries that rich ruby coloring and promising scents on your nose.  I definitely enjoyed and will always remember it as “the Merlot from David and Charci’s wedding”.

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Buena Vista 2010 Carneros Merlot

Buena Vista 2010 Carneros Merlot, Sonoma, California, USA.

Buena Vista 2010 Carneros Merlot, Sonoma, California, USA.

Over the last several nights, this bottle accompanied many a fine meal–including a home-made chicken scarpiello and a light, summer chicken salad.  This Buena Vista Carneros Merlot was possibly best, however, accompanying just a pizza from our favorite local joint.  Half pepperoni and half pepperoni – black olive, the pie seemed to work well with the cherry and peppery vibe of this 2010 red.  It really looks and smells the part too:  it’s unmistakably Merlot, a deep purple color that wafts dark fruits up at you even as you pour your first glass.

For more informative notes by ‘real’ tasters or even the winemaker you can click here any time.  The description of how this varietal came to bear is worth the read.  Someone with more expertise (or perhaps promotional inkling) gave this a 91 and I think that seems about right in comparison to other reds I’ve had occasion to enjoy.  Always love a Buena Vista and look forward to the next!

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Five Oaks Merlot

We received this Sonoma Valley (always have fond memories writing these words) Merlot as a gift for our annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, and decided to break it out Friday night with dinner.  While the mushrooms simmered and the spicy beef ravioli were cooking, the full berrysmell of this satisfying Merlot wafted around the kitchen.

Five Oaks Merlot, Gallo Family Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, California, USA.

Five Oaks Merlot, Gallo Family Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, California, USA.

It’s been forever, as you’ll note if you scroll through the archives here, since we’ve actually uncorked a Merlot.  It’s always been more of a winter comfort, but this cold season I was definitely into Bordeaux and Pinot instead.  But the Five Oaks, produced by the Gallo Family Vineyards, was pretty solid.  Not spectacular, but functional.  Polished it off last night at the neighborhood poker game.

Not sure I’d buy one for us…it’s not the bold adventurous choice…but it is a safe bet that will ruffle no feathers.

 

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2008 Buena Vista Ramal Vineyard Merlot

Fantastic.  Perhaps the best merlot I’ve ever had, and by no means an overstatement.  I hadn’t pulled a merlot since we started logging these tastings, and that’s a mistake when it comes to grapes this good.  As soon as the cork was out you could smell the dark berries wafting up…scents of blackberry and spice all mixing together.  It tasted even better–rich, fruity (and yet not too sweet), and almost cabernet-like in its composition.  The spice was a great undertone and made me pull the label to see what my taste buds were experiencing.  This merlot could have been perfectly paired with everything or nothing, but I had it with a great steak, covered with a butter/wine reduction sauce, and sides that included broccoli and a mixed white and wild rice combo.  Here’s what the winemaker offered:

“With 112 small vineyard blocks, the 564-acre Carneros Ramal Vineyard Estate offers a gorgeous palette of aroma, flavor, and texture.  Winemaker Jeff Stewart layers wine selected from individual barrels to create this elegant Merlot.  Alluring aromas of blackberry, plum, and cherry introduce concentrated flavors of black cherry, spice, green tea, and tobacco that linger on round, soft tannins.”

Just amazing.

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2003 Jewel Merlot

Okay, this is an interesting experiment – I just unearthed some VERY old tasting notes that mark this oenophile’s first real foray into the world of wine. The comments are unrefined, the palate even more so…but there are some good wines from this period and it’ll be a pleasure to share those remarks with you here. I’ve dated as originally chronicled in my wine journal and have kept all the original remarks even if adding a few recent additions to help inform anyone reading here. Just bear in mind this is probably 300 bottles ago!

The 2003 Jewel Merlot hails from the Lodi AVA in the Central Valley region of California. Purchased from Wine & Spirit World for $12, I thought the wine was a rich red, with a “deep & earthy” bouquet. Since my thoughts on its taste (“nice aftertaste; smooth”) don’t really share any meaningful information with you, I’m making a quick detour to the professionals from wine.com and their tasting notes: “This distinct Merlot has a rich garnet color that is filled with aromas of toasted oak and cherry complimented by flavors of black cherry and plum. Soft vanilla oak and delicate tannins add richness to the finish.”

Yes, always been a fan of cherry and plum if not the vanilla noted in that summary. At the time, I commented “Nicer than recent California and Australian Merlots we’ve had recently” and rated the 2003 Jewel as a 7 of possible 10. Becca and I split this bottle over dinner as iTunes played in the background of our Midland Park kitchen. “I would buy again – nice result.”