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In Reply to: RE: Agreed...that's why WS won't go higher than 95 pts for them... posted by mkuller on July 27, 2009 at 21:43:57
"Merlot - not so much. I still recall it as a blending grape, which keeps me from getting into mouvedre, carnignon, cab franc, etc. I can only recall a couple of memorable merlots - a Duckhorn, maybe 10 years ago and a Pride 2006 ($60) a couple of weeks ago. Hate to sound like the guy in Sideways, but he's right."
Another person who missed the "joke" of Sideways. The bottle of French wine that the main character coveted and opened at the end..Cab Franc/Merlot. The Merlots haven't been memorable because CA just isn't a great place to grow Merlot.
BTW, I disagree with this statement in a huge way: "Lighter so they lack the complexity of a cab or even a good zins" but we can argue that one later!
Follow Ups:
I've had some incredible French Merlots. It is the dominant grape in Pomerol and St. Emilion. Not a blending grape. I've also had a couple of Washington versions that were memorable.
As for Pinot Noirs, I've had some very good ones from the U.S..
Can't afford and haven't had many invitations to try some of the greats from Burgundy. Closest I had was a big wine tasting in Austin, strictly personal cellars. A few good candidates, but they didn't decant so the wines were muddy. Shame.
To me the sign of a great wine is the levels of flavors. Zins have two or three throughout the bottle. A well made Cab/Merlot can offer a dozen flavors or more. Same with a Pinot.
On this note, when people find out I know a bit about wine one of the first questions is what are your favorite wines. I always mention, along with some great reds, Sauternes and late harvest German Rieslings. These sweet wines can offer layer upon layer of flavors. And long after a red has left your taste buds, one of these is still rolling.
...French wines I'm missing out on - including French merlots and pinots.
But since I live so close to Napa and Sonoma, I've focused on California wines which are so accessible.
When I drink French wines these days, I'm put off by the tastes of the "terroir" - they taste dirty to me.
Personally, I've never cared much for sweet wines, except for port.
As with music and hi-fi equipment, you have to listen to different stuff. You may find something new or you may learn to appreciate more about what you have.
Step out.
...as eclectic.
Still, I don't have an interest in listening to classical music (other than classic rock and classic R&B), marching bands, polka, country, rap or hip-hop.
I'm sure I'm missing out on some great stuff here as well.
...
"But since I live so close to Napa and Sonoma, I've focused on California wines which are so accessible."
if I lived by that rule I would miss out on a lot of wine
When I drink French wines these days, I'm put off by the tastes of the "terroir" - they taste dirty to me.
That's not terroir...most likely it's brettanomyces.. a spoilage yeast. it has aromas of barnyard or horse sweat or around here, I find it smells like a box of band aids. It exists in new world wines for sure, but is a serious issue in Europe.
A touch of it can enhance a wine, a bit more can be an excuse. Why, in my experience, are Pinot Noir especially affected by this?
But you are right about missing some great wine. France makes some incredible wines. They've had decades to find the right grapes,the right methods, and the right earth. Australia and the U.S. have had a major effect on the wine world; more fruit and less tannins. Drink it now and forego some of the complexity.
Everyone should try a great Sauternes once. Ch.d'Yquem can be a revelation. As for reds, I've never had a great 1st Growth, I have had a great 'Cos. I've never had a California that approached it.
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