Moderators: Jenise, Robin Garr, David M. Bueker
John Treder wrote:I must confess, Tim, that my experience of European wines is much less than a bottle a year. Just too expensive for anything that I've found I liked. $35 here can buy you a really good wine. Yes, it's different in character from the Europeans..
Clint Hall wrote:I wonder if a big reason many Right Bankers do so much better than most New World Merlots is that the former are predominantly blends and the latter generally just about all Merlot. As a blending grape, Italian and other European winemakers are welcoming Merlot.
Clint Hall wrote:I wonder if a big reason many Right Bankers do so much better than most New World Merlots is that the former are predominantly blends and the latter generally just about all Merlot. As a blending grape, Italian and other European winemakers are welcoming Merlot
I wouldn't give "Sideways" the lion's share of the blame for discrediting Merlot as it had already toppled from its pedestal by the time the script writer parodied the self-appointed anti-Merlot cognoscenti.
FLDG Dishwasher
33907
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
Bob Parsons Alberta wrote:WTN: 2009 Gray Monk Odyssey Label Merlot, VGA Okanagan BC.
Proud to be Canadian and happy to talk about this merlot which showed up in a tasting downtown a couple of months ago.
Gray Monk is one of our better wineries and is well known for their whites and reds. The Pinot Gris is one of the much-acclaimed wines that is consistent every year.
The Merlot. Big aromatic nose..hint of oak, pepper, currant and blackberry. Entry is off-dry with some cocoa. Earthy for sure, good balance and acidity. Plenty of black fruits and pleasing all round. $28 Cdn.
FLDG Dishwasher
33907
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
David M. Bueker wrote:From last night...
1994 Ravenswood Pickberry - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain (1/5/2013)
Ruby red color with an alluring aroma of dark red fruit, cedar, spice and herbs. The palate is bright, fruity, and has fine length. The acidity keeps the wine fresh and inviting.
FLDG Dishwasher
33907
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
Clint Hall wrote:I wonder if a big reason many Right Bankers do so much better than most New World Merlots is that the former are predominantly blends and the latter generally just about all Merlot. As a blending grape, Italian and other European winemakers are welcoming Merlot
I wouldn't give "Sideways" the lion's share of the blame for discrediting Merlot as it had already toppled from its pedestal by the time the script writer parodied the self-appointed anti-Merlot cognoscenti.
Jenise wrote:David M. Bueker wrote:From last night...
1994 Ravenswood Pickberry - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain (1/5/2013)
Ruby red color with an alluring aroma of dark red fruit, cedar, spice and herbs. The palate is bright, fruity, and has fine length. The acidity keeps the wine fresh and inviting.
The Pickberry is only 50-60% merlot, though, isn't it, with all but 1 or 2% of the rest Cabernet?
FLDG Dishwasher
33907
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
2009 Knapp Finger Lakes Merlot. Alcohol level: 12%. This is one of our favorite wines
Passionate Arboisphile
9356
Fri Aug 25, 2006 1:05 am
Northern California
Rahsaan wrote:John Treder wrote:I must confess, Tim, that my experience of European wines is much less than a bottle a year. Just too expensive for anything that I've found I liked. $35 here can buy you a really good wine. Yes, it's different in character from the Europeans..
I think character is the main issue. $35 can also buy you a really good European wine, although you may not like it.
Jenise wrote:Bob Parsons Alberta wrote:WTN: 2009 Gray Monk Odyssey Label Merlot, VGA Okanagan BC.
Proud to be Canadian and happy to talk about this merlot which showed up in a tasting downtown a couple of months ago.
Gray Monk is one of our better wineries and is well known for their whites and reds. The Pinot Gris is one of the much-acclaimed wines that is consistent every year.
The Merlot. Big aromatic nose..hint of oak, pepper, currant and blackberry. Entry is off-dry with some cocoa. Earthy for sure, good balance and acidity. Plenty of black fruits and pleasing all round. $28 Cdn.
It's been years since I paid my one visit to the Gray Monk winery, Bob, but the wine I bought while there? The Odyssey merlot. Very very earthy and European in style compared to the sweeter, more extracted American style I'm used to. Presuming nothing's change, your ardor is well placed here.
FLDG Dishwasher
33907
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
Jenise wrote:Hmmm! Didn't realize it would change that much from year to year. I thought it was a field blend so pretty much set in what went in, and the 06's I have are what I just mentioned. An old favorite of mine, though, dating back to our early wine years in Alaska.
FLDG Dishwasher
33907
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
David M. Bueker wrote:Jenise wrote:Hmmm! Didn't realize it would change that much from year to year. I thought it was a field blend so pretty much set in what went in, and the 06's I have are what I just mentioned. An old favorite of mine, though, dating back to our early wine years in Alaska.
Took a look at the other vintages in the cellar. The blends are all over the place. One year had only 17% merlot.
Really! Then def not a field blend. Wonder about the origins of the Pickberry name, then; any idea?
Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot] and 12 guests