It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!
Deep ruby in color with a wide reddish /brick rim.
Full bodied with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with nice complexity and mouthfeel.
Showing blackberries, black currants, plums, earth, cedar, leather, chocolates, tobacco, mildew, light vinaigrette and black pepper.
Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.
This 25 year old Merlot is a tad tired, but still very enjoyable.
I've had this Merlot before, but it was a more recent vintage. I have a feeling it's this specific bottle that is flawed. It might be improper storage.
Big tannins show up after 4 hours in a decanter.
Helen Turley was the wine maker. Robert Parker 96 points.
Regardless of how it is showing now, it's always nice to try these kind of wines.
A blend of 85% Merlot with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.
14.5% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$100 (current vintage). — 2 years ago
Love, love, love this wine from an ex maker of the revered Penfolds Grange and instigator of RWT.
A gem of a wine that punches well above its price point. 18 was a good vintage but this is already drinking well with some development. It’s going to be stellar in 6-8 years. — 3 years ago
Wes Hagen, 20 year veteran wine maker at Clos Pepe Vineyard, joined our group and gave us a master class in Santa Barbara pinot noir. We tried 11 PNs from 2004-2010, made by Loring, AP Vin, Sandler, Siduri, and Brewer-Clifton. This 2009 Loring had the meaty flavors that I love in a great US PN. — a month ago
Tried this again about 8 months later. Sentinel Cabernet Sauvignon is named for the shield-shaped block that casts a watchful eye on the entrance to Monte Rosso Vineyard. Deep Ruby with aromas of rich dark fruit, cedar and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry and currants with vanilla oak and toasty nutty notes. Fine soft tannins, well balanced with acidity, long finish ending with berry fruit, cacao and toasty vanilla oak. Nice! — 2 years ago
Rhonda loves, and says buy it all on chairman's. At total wine and Moore it is $17 before discounts. It is winery direct, so buy 2 cases at 20% off. — 2 years ago
So good. Full bodied and dry with a fruity finish — 3 years ago
Jason Phillips
Fruit forward, dry, nice skin contact and crisp! — a month ago