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...I am not a merlot fan. I remember when it was a blending grape for cabernet and when cabernet got so expensive, it became popular.
It was comparable to cabernet in some ways, with fruit but very little finish.
Of course the grape has always been popular in France, but I don't think it grows as well in California.
I've had Washington merlots that I liked much better.
Our group of 6 blind tasted 7 merlots over $30 to find some I would like.
1 point for your favorite - 7 points for the one you like least - lowest score wins.
7. 2013 Decoy $30 - 33pts - this was a surprise because it is the second label of Duckhorn who usually makes excellent merlots and the 2012 won our tasting last year.
6. 2012 Red Diamond Washington - $7 - 31pts - a ringer - tasted fruity at first then went downhill (one first).
5. 2012 Frog's Leap Rutherford $35 - 24 pts (tie with 4)
4. 2011 Northstar Columbia Valley Washington $30 - 24 pts (one first)
3. 2012 Stags Leap $33 - 22pts (one first)
2. 2012 Rombauer $32 - 19pts - my first place, rich and full bodied, not as fruit forward as the usual Rombauer red (2 firsts).
1. 2010 Reynolds Stags Leap $55 - 15pts - obviously a little older, but also a little lighter, my #2 (one first).
Note the point gaps - 2 bad ones, 3 in the middle and 2 good ones.
The Rombauer is highly recommended.
Follow Ups:
Merlot is a grape second to none. The Right Bank of Bordeaux is predominantly Merlot. Petrus, Le Pin, and Cheval Blanc to name a few.
Seven Hills in Washington makes a killer Merlot just about every year.
Haven't had one in a couple of years, but Markham used to make a good bottle of Merlot.
Remember 'where" is as important as "what." Here (WA) Merlot makes a big wine. Lots of structure. It is a big wine. As much as I love WA Syrah, Merlot may be what we grow best here.
Washington does a great job with Merlot.
Don't understand the fascination with U.S. Syrahs. I like a good Syrah but it is below my love for Cabs, Merlots, Pinot Noirs, and Zins. Right there with Grenache and Tempranillo.
Oh, I do love a good Nebbiolo but have a hard time affording a good one.
Everyone has different tastes right? Syrah can be so different and interesting depending on so many factors...place, style, etc.
Zin? Can't imagine why I would ever buy a bottle!
Its a good thing we all have choices.
Never said I didn't like them. Just not one of my big three or four. I also have enjoyed quite a few Shiraz.
You really don't like any Zins?
Zin isn't something I spend money on. I don't like high alcohol wines and to me most are just too bombastic. I look for subtly and elegance. I realize there are always folks who might be bucking the trend and I've tasted a few, but as a category, its not somewhere I go.
Different strokes....
...sounds like pinot noir to me.
Syrah is like a bigger zin (with less spice) to me.
And then there is petit syrah...
Zin is my favorite - no food required - some are less bombastic.
See we are talking about two different kinds of wine...I almost always eat when drinking wine...completely different thing.
Syria's can be made in such different styles...I certainly don't think of them as bigger than Zins. Well maybe Australian ones from hot places.
And yeah....Pinot...love it. Although finding good ones are hard. Especially ones that I can afford. I tend to prefer Oregon over Ca and France over Or. But there are always exceptions to the rules.
...funny how that film changed people's perceptions of merlot and pinot noir.
The merlot market tanked and pinot prices have been rising ever since.
I agree Markham used to make a good inexpensive merlot.
Merlot in Bordeaux is not the same as in CA.
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