Merlot- Why Such a Bad Rap? – Episode #171

January 22, 2007

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Wines tasted in this episode:

Sideways has had an impact on the Merlot wine market, today Gary tastes the 4 top selling Merlot in the shop for the month of January.

151 Responses

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  1. January 22, 2007

    flavasauce

    QOTD: Ditto on Washington state merlot. I had a Columbia Winery merlot a couple years ago that impressed me. Gary, you are a workaholic and selfishly I am happy about that :)

  2. January 22, 2007

    Tipcee

    A few months ago you tasted and raved about the Snoqualmie reserve 2000 – Washington State. it has since become my favorite Merlot and the ONLY Merlot that I drink on a regular basis. It’s in the $15 range but worth every penny more than the “bargains” under $10… but more than that, it has steered me in the direction of Washington State quality and complexity which I find superior to the Calif. Merlot in the “under$20″ category. Thanks Gary for making our lives more luscious with better wines.

  3. January 22, 2007

    Rich S

    I think Washington State merlots are pretty solid in the $15-$20 range. I can’t say that I am a huge merlot drinker though. As far as my favorite merlot goes, it is the Ehlers Estate merlot from Napa Valley. It isn’t that readily available so I try to buy a few bottles whenever I see it but it is OUTSTANDING. Tons of chocolate and dark cherry flavors with a smooth, lingering finish. Best CA merlot I have ever had. It usually retails for somewhere around $25-$30.

  4. January 22, 2007

    Ken

    QOTD: While not a 100% Merlot, I have enjoyed the 1995 Chateau Monbousquet, St Emilion, several times in the past year. I believe it is a 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon blend. This is a very nice wine but is in the $65 to $80 range. Another nice Merlot I’ve had in the past year was the 2001 Pine Ridge Crimson Creek. Generally, I do not drink a lot of Merlot. My favorite Merlots are from the right bank of Bordeaux. For “budget” Merlot, I think that Washington state has a lot to offer. There are even some good higher end examples from Washington but in the lower end the Columbia Crest offerings are pretty consistent. Thanks again for the free shipping offer over the weekend. I’m bummed I missed out on the Von Hovel though.

  5. January 22, 2007

    Mike C

    I love that there is an episode today!

  6. January 22, 2007

    Dave-from-Katonah

    Wow, what a bonus! Thanks for keeping the Vayniacs entertained while you’re away!
    QOTD – Markham Merlot 2004 – great full bodied flavor (18 or 19 bucks?).

  7. January 22, 2007

    Jeroboam

    QOD: Columbia Crest Grand Estates ‘03. Retail in Chicago is about $8.50. I bought a case for to gave on hand for cooking. Medium body, mostly red fruit. Solid finish for a wine under $10. Spectator gave is a 90 – that might be a little generous. 88 in my book. But at this price, an excellent QPR.

  8. January 22, 2007

    stewart l

    To be truthful, I can’t remember the last time I drank a bottle of Merlot, and I have none in my cellar.(Sideways didn’t effect my consumption of merlot)

  9. January 22, 2007

    Wino

    QOTD- Been drinking the Raymond R Collection Merlot at $8.99 (?) Nice bottle of wine for the price. Now go on vacation!!!!!!

  10. January 22, 2007

    Mark D

    Just tried the 2001 Kennan Napa and was pleasantly surprised. Love finding wine that exceeds expectations. Would / Will buy again.

  11. January 22, 2007

    abel

    Actually, I believe Cheval Blanc (the wine from Sideways) is mostly Cabernet Franc, which was also critized in the movie. I think Cheval Blanc is only about 30% merlot, and over 60% cab. franc.

  12. January 22, 2007

    Paul M

    not a big Merlot fan but had the Miradero recently and thought it was very interesting

  13. January 22, 2007

    Nathan N

    Thanks for the Episode.

    QOTD: Only Merlot I’ve had lately is Peirano Six Clones 2001 and it was pretty good

  14. January 22, 2007

    ML

    Love the “F Pinot Noir” message. That’s awesome.

    Recently had a Burgess Merlot(only about $12-13) that was pretty tasty. Normally don’t drink too much Merlot though.

  15. January 22, 2007

    Mets fan 13

    Very interesting. Count me among those who never drink merlot . . .

  16. January 22, 2007

    rumpole

    Gary,

    Try some Washington Red Mountain Merlots. Great stuff. You could try the Woodhouse, L’Ecole 41 and Januik Merlots.

  17. January 22, 2007

    mbannon

    QOD – I really like the Toasted Head Merlot from California. Worth the $12-14 price tag.

  18. January 22, 2007

    Brandon M

    ALLLRIGHT!!!!! An Episode

  19. January 22, 2007

    FTBoomer

    Thank for the tape Gary, Enjoy the vacatio, you deserve it. Now get your butt up to Tampa!

  20. January 22, 2007

    Joe Trdinich

    Merlot is popular because it is easy to pronounce!!

  21. January 22, 2007

    Len C

    Have to love those Pats, eh Gary :-)

  22. January 22, 2007

    Sakas

    hey… must be a little taped jewel for us; so that we will keep missing him!

    enjoy the Vacation Gary!!! (see you on the forum later =) hehe

  23. January 22, 2007

    RMD

    TOP 5! :)

  24. January 22, 2007

    mbannon

    At least when Gary’s on vacation I have a chance to be in the top 10.

  25. January 22, 2007

    Big Billy from Big D

    You’re supposed to be on vacation.

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