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

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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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.

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

2019 Ettore Merlot Zero, USA, California, Mendocino, Wine Review

Vintage:

2019

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$35.00USD

This is a first and foremost, a very nice Merlot. But before talking about that it is worth noting that this wine is made without added sulfites. They accomplish this by using the Purovino® method. From the company's web site: "The purovino® method is based on controlled hyperoxygenation on wine grapes and a CIP process of all the equipment with ozone-enriched water. After the harvest, grapes are fumigated with a specific concentration of activated oxygen that induces a controlled oxidative stress.

Decoy Unlimited 2021 Alexander Valley Merlot

Vintage:

2023

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$30.00USD

This offers nicely balanced red fruit with minimal oak, solid acidity and decent tannic structure. Not an easy thing to find in a Merlot, and a Merlot at this price. Black cherry, black berry, huckleberry, red currant, light cedar and vanilla notes dominate and this is a very comprehensive wine. Mainly Merlot, there are small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Malbec. It was aged for 14 months in French oak, only 40% of which was new, hence the light wood touch. What this ultimately offers is a robust Merlot that is well worth the price.

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

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Cabernet Franc: Talking with John Skupny of Lang & Reed

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

2019 Ettore Merlot Zero, USA, California, Mendocino, Wine Review

Decoy Unlimited 2021 Alexander Valley Merlot