Wine on the Radio - September 3, 2003

Merlot Taste                        Recommendations

"I'll have the Merlot."   It's a pretty familiar call.  

Merlot sure is easy to drink but sometimes we don't appreciate it enough. So let's change that right now!  

Merlot is part of many great Bordeaux wines.   But it took American wineries to popularize it and unleash its potential.   California and Washington Merlot are ripe and soft.  

This is easy goin' wine . . . perfect for a laid back evening.   And, it's super versatile with food.   Best yet, you can find it a just about any price for the occasion.  

The typical taste of Bing cherries or blackberries, with maybe just a hint of chocolate, makes it lip-smacking good with everything from pizza to roasted chicken, a burger to juicy prime rib.  

You don't have to wait to enjoy it.   American Merlot is ready to drink when you are.   So step up and say, "I'll have the Merlot."  

Pop the cork™.                              Listen to the show

Some American Merlots . . . All Prices Approximate

Carmenet 2000 Dynamite Merlot $15
Sonoma Valley, 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

Estancia 2000 Merlot $16
Sonoma Valley, California

Winemaker's Notes
An elegant marriage between fruit and oak

Dry Creek 1999 Merlot $18
Sonoma Valley , California

Winemaker's Notes
Fragrant bouquet of cherry, berry, and cedar is laced with hints of mint and rose

St. Francis 2000 Merlot
Sonoma Valley, California

Winemaker's Notes $23

A varietal classic with distinctive Sonoma County style

Whitehall Lane 2000 Napa Valley Merlot $25
Napa Valley , California

Winemaker's Notes
The Vintage The grapes of 2000 enjoyed an outstanding growing season

Freemark Abbey 1999 Merlot $25
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Notes
Intriguing nose of plum, cherry, cranberry and woodsy spice. Appealing black cherry flavors, with a soft lingering finish of dark chocolate, and a hint of toasted nuts

Joseph Phelps 2000 Napa Valley Merlot $35
Napa Valley , California

Winemaker's Notes
Stunning Napa Valley Merlot, recently named one of Wine & Spirits Top 10 Merlots of 2003!

Ch. Ste. Michelle 2000 Cold Creek Vineyard Merlot $35
Columbia Valley , Washington

Winemaker's Notes
Rich, forward berry aromas blend with vanilla and clove to characterize this merlot

Chalk Hill 1999 Merlot $45
Sonoma Valley , California

Winemaker's Notes
This is a Merlot of substantial proportions, taking the "right bank" Bordeaux appellations of Pomerol and St.-Émilion as direct inspiration

Sterling 1999 Three Palms Vineyard Merlot
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Notes
Deep ruby color. Huge cherry/berry fruit, with spice, dark cocoa powder and sweet toasty vanilla oak in the nose Cakebread 2000 Merlot $55