Wine of the Week!
Raymond 2004 Reserve Merlot   $22    

It’s often easy to overlook the familiar and take it for granted.  That’s what we think of many terrific Merlots from California.  This week our Wine of the Week has one of those familiar names: Raymond.

The wine is from Raymond Vineyards, their 2004 Napa Valley Reserve Merlot.

So let’s get reacquainted!  A bunch of complex aromas that waft up from the glass, from the note of ripe berries – it’s like boysenberry jam – to a hint of oaky vanilla.  But the best part is that first sip. 

You’ll be thinking of chocolate covered cherries as the taste coats your tongue!  Pair that with just a pinch of peppery finish…Classic Merlot!

Merlot is one of the most enjoyable, entertaining and flexible wines there is and this is a darn good one.

The Raymond Reserve is about twenty two dollars, well priced for a wine with this much going on in the bottle.  And it’s one that provides so much versatility when it comes to food and friends.

That’s why it’s our Wine of the Week.

Pop the Cork™.

Wine on the Radio – August 29, 2008

Winemaker’s notes and comments:
 
Blend: 88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aromas of red cherry, raspberry, plums, cassis, earth, pepper and vanilla are followed by smooth, ripe cherry, currant and raspberry flavors with a touch of cassis, earth and chocolate. A well balanced wine with good structure, full round flavors and a lingering finish.

A versatile wine that will pair well with roast pork tenderloin, barbecued pork ribs, baked ham, grilled figs with prosciutto and gorgonzola dolce, hearty pastas, grilled lamb chops and seared or smoked salmon.

Delicious at an early age, but will also benefit from additional cellaring of 5-7 years past the vintage date.
The Reserve Merlot grapes come from our estate vineyard in Rutherford and select nearby growers. The estate vineyard is known for gravelly alluvial fan soils with good drainage, creating more intense flavors. The vineyards are monitored throughout the season to balance crop size and quality. Leaf removal in early summer and cluster thinning at time of veraison achieves evenly ripened grapes with concentrated flavors.

When you read our thoughts, please remember that you may think differently.  A particular wine may be your favorite and not on our list.  Well, don't stop buying it because of that.  In fact, you may want to email us and let us know about it. These are our opinions but our FIRST recommendation is to go by your own palate.

A couple of other thoughts . . . first, prices are approximate.  They'll vary.  Second, different vintages mean different grapes and different tastes so our recommendation for a 2000 Merlot may not hold for 2001.

And lastly, we remind you to drink responsibly!  Now, all that said, here is a summary of links to our suggestions.  Find one (or more) and pop the cork!

Read the fine print . . .

Wine consumption can have positive physical benefits or cause possible physical harm . . . the medical community is divided in some areas.  If you have any doubt, check with your doctor before consuming wine or any other alcoholic drink. 

Our information is well researched.  Recommendations are based on our opinions at the time of publication.  At the same time, recommendations change.  Also, there may be significant variance in taste depending on storage, shipping, and other factors.

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