Wine on the Radio - November 9, 2004

Merlot and Food                               Recommendations

We’ve been on a bit of a Merlot kick lately . . . particularly Merlot from the US and South America.   They’re just so easy to drink and so versatile to put with foods that I like to think of them as the ‘no risk reds.’

Why ‘no risk’?  It’s like as long as there is something seared, roasted, braised or grilled, these merlot are a match.  They’re terrific with a seared tuna steak as they are with steak kabobs. 

They’re as worldly with Peking duck from the Chinese take out as they are with spaghetti and meatballs.   And they cozy up to a roasted chicken as unselfishly as to a pork chop! 

American Merlot’s an easy choice because it complements so many different flavors.   Mostly that’s because of its fruity taste and smoothness.   But it also doesn’t pretend to be the center of attention and fight with the food. 

Food and wine pairing isn’t rocket science to begin with and merlot keeps the guessing out of the game. 

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Merlot - Our Picks and Recommendations . . . All Prices Approximate

2001 Penfolds Merlot "Rawson Retreat" South Eastern Australia $8

A juicy, youthful and lively palate. Soft, ripe tannins court appealing varietal flavors of dark plums, raspberry and rhubarb. The wine has a medium to full body with a fleeting suggestion of savory meats arousing further interest towards the finish

2003 Montes Merlot Curico Valley $8

This medium-bodied wine exhibits bright wild berry and ripe cherry flavors, while nuances of chocolate show through to the finish. A lively and expressive wine that will leave you wanting more

2001 Echelon Merlot Central Coast $10

The flavor profile is classical, with Merlot giving berry freshness and a hint of herbs, while the Cabernet pulls it together with a darker plum-like fruit and the tropical cedar

2000 Beaulieu Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley $12  

Dark ruby-violet color. Classic aromas of cherry, herbs and some red pepper as well, along with a touch of blackcurrant and a whiff of new oak-vanilla and cocoa. The flavors are ripe, mouth filling and loaded with black cherry and black pepper

2002 Casa Lapostolle Merlot Rapel Valley $12
Displays flavors of blueberry, plum, wild cherries, and a good dose of smoky oak. Ripe, firm tannins and a good core of acidity make this a solid effort. Truly delicious

2002 Coppola Merlot "Diamond Series" California $15

Blueberry aromas and flavors, good structure, and a smoky quality in the mid-palate. Good tannins, can stand up to most hearty meals

A Wine of the Week Selection!

2001 Markham Merlot Napa Valley $18

WS 87 points, Firm tannins and a green edge take away from the riper currant and tobacco flavors, giving it a chewy texture, with a hint of coffee and leather.

Aromas of sour cherries, toasted hazelnuts and vanilla cream might sound decadent enough for dessert, but you'll be surprised how perfectly this rich wine works with dinner. Stash a few bottles away to experience what time does to its dense, velvety structure, but by all means enjoy some now for its precious, blackberry fruit

A Wine of the Week Selection!

Dynamite Vineyards 2001 Merlot $15
North Coast, California

Winemaker's Notes
It has the sensuous accessible mouth-feel which we hope for from this variety, with explosive fruit flavors, modest tannin, and intriguing aromas of plums, black cherries, and spice.  The tannins are ripe, soft, and sweet, and the finish very long and full. This wine will continue to increase in complexity and richness as it ages in the bottle

2001 Ch. Ste. Michelle Merlot "Cold Creek Vineyard" Columbia Valley $26

WS 90 points, Ripe and just tangy enough to keep the vibrant currant and subtle spice flavors fresh and lively. Has grace and persistence on the finish

2000 Rombauer Merlot Napa Valley $27
The lively, full-structured juicy blend of ripe, red raspberry and blackberry flavors creates a full, well-rounded wine with a lingering finish

2000 Kenwood Merlot "Jack London Vineyard" Sonoma Valley $28

Firm, with fresh sage, black currant and black cherry flavors, framed by toasty oak, tart herbal notes and modest tannins on the finish

2002 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley $45

This Merlot is full-bodied with layers of fruit that are well integrated with the tannins and result in a long finish. The aroma is deeply layered with blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, vanilla, caramel and a hint of herbs