2014 Blankiet Estate Merlot Prince of Hearts Rose, USA, California,

This is interesting. I normally prefer a Rose to be young (with a couple of important exceptions) but this still tasted youthful at 5 years from vintage. It is made from Merlot and a bit of Cabernet Franc. Orange/salmon pink in color, clear and bright. The nose has watermelons, strawberries and slight hay. On the palate, this is clean with just a touch of acidity. Cherries and strawberries. Nice finish. This will go with anything from a light salad to a burger or fowl.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2014

Current Price:

$45.00USD

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Cabernet Franc: Talking with John Skupny of Lang & Reed

These days, whenever I mention that I picked up a bottle of Cabernet Franc during one of my tasting trips, I always get a knowing nod of approval from my fellow wine enthusiasts. Cabernet Franc is definitely gaining attention among American consumers, and it has slowly begun to emerge as more than just a mere blending grape for Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ve pondered Cabernet Franc’s recent rise in popularity, and have developed a theory regarding the varietal’s growing niche within the American market: Over the past 30 years, U.S. consumers have come to accept Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as two of the standards among fine red wine.

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2020 Realm Cellars La Fe, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage:

2020

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$75.00USD

Lovely Rosé blend. This is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from Farella and Moonracer vineyards. Due to the fires in 2020, Realm decided that they could not make all of their reds so this was harvested early and turned into a Rose which is less susceptible to smoke taint (due to less time on the skins). The results are excellent. This is the second time I have been lucky enough to taste this. Some say this is made in a Provence style, but rather, this seems to have fresh vibrant fruit albeit on the softer side (likely due to the Merlot), but certainly of Napa. Very pale pink/ora

2014 Raymond Vineyard & Cellar Merlot Reserve Selection, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage:

2014

Score:

Grade:

B+

Current Price:

$23.00USD

This is a nice value in inexpensive Merlot. It is a blend of 88% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Medium ruby in color. The nose has plums, cherries and spice. On the palate, this is light to medium bodied. Light cherry fruit. Easy drinking. Nice finish. This is made for immediate drinking. It drinks well on its own and would be great with burgers or grilled chicken. Drink over the next couple of years.

2016 Saved Magic Maker Rose, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

This was consumed with a couple of my neighbors outside by the fire on a late Spring Day. It was quite well received. It is a blend of Grenache, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese. First, the bottle is very pretty with a silk screened label. The wine itself is likewise pretty with an almost iridescent salmon orange color to it. The nose is large with burnt oranges, some strawberries and slight cherries. There is some alcohol on the nose too. On the palate, this has a very nice texture. Big fruit, mostly tart cherries. Enough acidity to work with food but made just fine sip

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

Vintage:

1999

Score:

Grade:

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

2014 Blankiet Estate Merlot Prince of Hearts Rose, USA, California,

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2014 Raymond Vineyard & Cellar Merlot Reserve Selection, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

2016 Saved Magic Maker Rose, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

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