Freemark Abbey Merlot (Napa Valley) 2014

Beautifully rich black garnet hue with lovely aromas of black licorice, a hint of mint, sweet ripe black berries above the rim with cigar box and tar.

Palate--Rich plush texture with intense jammy dark berry fruit, a cocoa beam down the mid palate, tar, milk chocolate and lip smacking tannins.

This is wonderful Merlot so rich and complex and I would expect nothing less out of one of the historically, iconic folks in Napa. The Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 90 points. they were really stingy! Think 92-93.

When the sorry movie Sideways came out Merlot became a byword. I was bewildered as Merlot is one of the great varietals of the world. I mean the legendary Chateau Petrus is routinely one of the most expensive wines in the world and it is--you guessed it--100% Merlot. I never really got the movie.

Anyway, I don't remember what I paid for it but I know it was under $20 and this is a super value and a super wine that will only improve for the next decade so raise a glass.

Comments

Emma Reichart Gewürztraminer 2020

*Label is for their Riesling not their Gewurztraminer Pale straw hue with loads of sweet aromas consisting of vanilla, citrus, tropical fruit with a lime splash. Palate--mouth watering acid, mouth filling tropical fruit, lime base, with sweet-tart freshness This $10 Gewürztraminer literally "Spicy Traminer" is one of my favorite German grapes and under appreciated much in the way German Riesling is. If you can get past the name, it's a lovely wine that pairs with Asian foods, spicy foods, or all by itself so raise a glass!

Sardon 2017 (Quinto Sardonia)

Vibrant plum purple hue with aromas of a spicy floral bouquet, sweet red hard cherry candies, sweet cream on the edges. Palate--Great first impression of joyful candied red fruit, and pink/orange colored circus peanut marshmallow(?) candy. This blend of primarily Tempranillo, with Malbec, Garnacha, and Cab Sauv. is a bit atypical for Tempranillo with delightful flavors of sweet cherry cream, a nice spicy beam of light red fruit and a finish of more candied flavors. Do NOT mistake my description with all the "sweet" adjectives as if this wine is actually sweet, it isn't. It is extremely fruity, lighter bodied, well made and really quite spectacular. It will do well with my grilled pork chops! At the $18 price point it is a real treat so raise a glass!

Barrel Heist Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Lighter hued cranberry color with aromas of sweet red berries and dried red fruit with a touch of spice. Palate--Fruit forward, easy to quaff with soft tannins, and a simple pleasant all around red. Just don't confuse this with a "real" cabernet Sauvignon. At $7 (Trader Joe's) let's get real... It's better than two buck chuck!

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