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!

Pure Bred (Old Vine) Zinfandel Lodi 2017

Very light hue with a unique aroma (slight) at the side rim of dill pickle juice which is intriguing. Zin aromas of wild berries, not over powering but pleasant, with a touch of rustic zinfulness. (OK that was cheesy!) Palate--There's a watery first impression but is quickly engulfed in big Zin fruitiness which is quickly fleeting leaving a pleasant lingering gentle berry goodness with a slightly "green" end. OK, I am the Zin maestro having had more zins in my life than possibly all other varietals combined? Well, if not, I am getting there. Zin is my grape. And here is the get a grip factor; this sells for $6.50 from Trader Joes, nuff said. Face it, I can't drink Turley, or Rosenblum single vineyard zins everyday (or even every week) so if you're having the gang over and want a light hearted red for those who insist they don't like red wine, give them I bit of this and see what happens. At this price, I'll raise a glass. Thanks MB :)

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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