WTN: Fay Vineyard and a better California Merlot

2006 Elizabeth Spencer "Knights Valley" Merlot. Nice Merlot because it is light, balanced, and elegant, despite the warm microclimate. From the hot inland valley between Calistoga and Alexander Valley. This had plenty of bright cherry fruit, but there were very pleasant graphite???? and herbal notes that made the wine refreshing. Elegant acid and tannic structure, and relatively low alcohol (14.1). I had two samples, actually. 90 points. This is the only wine club I have kept

2002 Stags Leap Wine Cellars "Fay Vineyard." What a beautiful wine. John Chandler noted "Now this is full of Cabiness" Tannins resolved. Good acidity. Alcohol relatively modest (13.8% abv). Plenty of delicious black currant and blackberry fruit, with tobacco and herbal and anise notes coming through. Much prefer this wine to the Bramare we tried on Monday. There are interesting elements of flavor here missing in many of the ultra-modern style wines. 91+ points. Delicious.

I used to really enjoy Stags Leap, but they sort of went up in price faster than my tolerance. I guess I just have to live with being a cheapskate.

John

I used to really enjoy Stags Leap, but they sort of went up in price faster than my tolerance. I guess I just have to live with being a cheapskate.

John

It cost $40 to taste the "reserve" wines last time I checked . And, they pour tiny sips (versus the full glasses they used to pour. Five years ago I had to go back to Yountville and walk around for quite awhile because they poured so much )

I am drinking through my cellar now, and I'm not going to go drop $80 for the current (2004) release of this wine myself (as outstanding as it was, frankly). Still, I'm glad I had this bottle put back. I have one bottle of 2003 Artemis I should probably drink soonish, too.