Moderators: Jenise, Robin Garr, David M. Bueker
Brian K Miller
Passionate Arboisphile
9340
Fri Aug 25, 2006 1:05 am
Northern California
JC (NC)
Lifelong Learner
6679
Mon Mar 27, 2006 12:23 pm
Fayetteville, NC
Tim York wrote:I guess that, in order to make those nominations, you stipulate 100% Merlot. Otherwise I would have very many nominations from right-bank Bordeaux for wines with 50%+ Merlot .
David M. Bueker
Riesling Guru
34251
Thu Mar 23, 2006 11:52 am
Connecticut
Jenise
FLDG Dishwasher
42547
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
Robin Garr wrote:I've always argued, Tim, that Bordeaux uses Merlot as a blending grape rather than full-varietal for good reason.
Jenise wrote:Robin Garr wrote:I've always argued, Tim, that Bordeaux uses Merlot as a blending grape rather than full-varietal for good reason.
Then you haven't had enough merlot, Miles.
Dale Williams
Compassionate Connoisseur
11125
Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:32 pm
Dobbs Ferry, NY (NYC metro)
Jenise
FLDG Dishwasher
42547
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
Dale Williams wrote:I'd call Merlot any wine that would qualify in CA for the word (85%, right?). Even in CA there's usually a bit of blending.
Petrus is sometimes all Merlot, always at least 95%. Trotanoy is usually 90+%, and L'Evangile between 85 and 90% and are among my favorite wines. I think Le Pin is 100%, but I've never tasted one.
Most St Emilions have considerable amount of CF (and some CS), but Magdelaine is usually at least 90% Merlot, and can be truly great (or could, RIP).
In Italy Massetto is delicious if you can afford it. The Falesco Montiano is 100% and tasty in a modern style at much more modest price.
In CA my favorite is probably Mayacamas. I also have some Beringer Bancrofts from late 80s and early 90s that I enjoy, and had some early 70s Sterlings still holding up lately.
I've never had a Matthiason Merlot, but would love to try. Had my first Ridge recently (2013 vintage), very good.
Now for worst, how about Pride? Actually I'm sure well made, just truly not my style.
Bill Spohn
He put the 'bar' in 'barrister'
9457
Tue Mar 21, 2006 7:31 pm
Vancouver BC
David M. Bueker
Riesling Guru
34251
Thu Mar 23, 2006 11:52 am
Connecticut
Jenise
FLDG Dishwasher
42547
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
Bill Spohn wrote:That aside, I agree that there are many worthy Merlots just on the right bank Bordeaux area. Are we talking about them, or what? Need the ground rules to be clear.
Bill Spohn
He put the 'bar' in 'barrister'
9457
Tue Mar 21, 2006 7:31 pm
Vancouver BC
Jenise wrote:Bill Spohn wrote:That aside, I agree that there are many worthy Merlots just on the right bank Bordeaux area. Are we talking about them, or what? Need the ground rules to be clear.
The original question was: "Who else throughout the world might be in contention for best Merlot given the previous exception (Petrus)?"
So world's your oyster.
David M. Bueker
Riesling Guru
34251
Thu Mar 23, 2006 11:52 am
Connecticut
Bill Spohn
He put the 'bar' in 'barrister'
9457
Tue Mar 21, 2006 7:31 pm
Vancouver BC
David M. Bueker wrote:Let’s say 75%, since that is the rule for labeling as the variety in California.
Peter May
Pinotage Advocate
3798
Mon Mar 20, 2006 11:24 am
Snorbens, England
David M. Bueker
Riesling Guru
34251
Thu Mar 23, 2006 11:52 am
Connecticut
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