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Merlot

Merlot Wine Details
Price: $24.95 per bottle

Description: Dark ruby/garnet in color, the 2003 Merlot exhibits sweet vanilla, eucalyptus and bright red fruits aromatically with nuances of prune and fig. Additionally, its 21-month maturation in French oak has given it an almost mocha/roasted coffee bean element, which contributes to its complexity. Rich and velvety, these flavors come through and meld nicely on the palate, which lends to a clean and persistent finish. 450 cases produced. GOLD Medal – 2006 Tri Cities Wine Festival. Silver Medal – 2007 San Francisco Chronicle

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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