2001 Charles Krug Winery (Peter Mondavi Family) Merlot, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Of course, this bottle should have been consumed long ago, but it happens. This acquitted itself very well, all things considered. Deep ruby in color, some browning but not much at the rim. The nose is dusty, earthy with some dried and macerated cherries. On the palate, this has some layering going on, fresh cherries, dried cherries and forest floor notes. Tannins are all resolved. A bit tart. Good finish. This improved a bit with food. I worked well with a vegetarian bean cassoulet. These should be drunk up.

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Score:

Vintage:

2001

2001 Paloma Merlot, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage:

2001

Score:

Grade:

A+

This is a former Wine Spectator Wine of the Year. It was nice to revisit this wine. It seems to be at peak and drinking as good as it will get. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has cherries, spice, chocolate and dried cherries. On the palate, this is full bodied with a lush texture. Just a wisp of tannins. Layers of chocolate covered cherries and slight earth. Long finish. Food friendly. Certainly one of the best California Merlot's I have had. Even Miles from Sideways would like it. It still has five to ten years, at least, left if well stored.

2003 Paloma Merlot, USA, California, Napa, Spring Mountain, Wine Review

Vintage:

2003

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Grade:

Current Price:

$25.00USD

Time has been quite kind to this wine. On release, this was a bit disappointing after the stellar 2001 and 2002's. At age 16, however, it has put on weight, aged slowly and is a terrific Merlot. Purple in color with ruby swirls. The nose has milk chocolate, cherries and just a bit of raspberry. On the palate, this has nice layering of fruit and earth. Tannins are all resolved. Easy drinking. Good finish. This won't get better and should be drunk in the next few years. It will go well with roasts and casseroles of all types.

1999 Arietta Merlot, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage:

1999

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Current Price:

$75.00USD

On release, these were big, bold wines made, at least in part, by John Kongsgaard. Of course, its now 21 years since vintage and one wold be hard pressed to call this anything but right bank if tasting blind. Part of that is one doesn't expect a Napa Merlot to age this well. It does have 10% Syrah in the blend so that may be part of it. Deep ruby in color. The nose is dusty with cherries, black cherries, slight cedar and some earthy funk. On the palate, this has a great texture. Black cherry fruit with a touch of dark chocolate and underlying earthiness. This is complex and also vib

2012 Jarvis Winery Merlot, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage:

2012

Score:

Grade:

A-

Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has sweet plums, black cherries and sandal wood. Firm tannins. On the palate, black cherry pie. Delicious if ripe. Some heat. This is more of a cocktail wine to be drunk on its own. It will prove to be a difficult food match. Perhaps is settles down with some cellaring. Drink in the next five to be safe but who knows, it might last twenty.

2013 Peter Michael Les Pavots, USA, California, Sonoma, Knights Valley, Wine Review

Vintage:

2013

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$180.00USD

This is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet France, 9% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. This is a gorgeous wine but it will need some time to reach maturity. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. Cassis, black cherries, dark chocolate, char and baking spice on the nose. Full bodied. On the palate, the cassis and black cherries carry thru though concentrated. Firm tannins. An underlying char. Long finish. This needs about five to ten years until peak and will be good for ten to twenty years after that. It drinks well on its own and will work with bigger foods especially roasts

2001 Charles Krug Winery (Peter Mondavi Family) Merlot, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

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