151 Responses

1. January 22, 2007

   Mojo Hand

   first time poster. long time fan.

2. January 22, 2007

   Big Billy from Big D

   You’re supposed to be on vacation.

3. January 22, 2007

   mbannon

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

4. January 22, 2007

   RMD

   TOP 5!

5. 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

6. January 22, 2007

   Len C

   Have to love those Pats, eh Gary

7. January 22, 2007

   Joe Trdinich

   Merlot is popular because it is easy to pronounce!!

8. January 22, 2007

   FTBoomer

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

9. January 22, 2007

   Brandon M

   ALLLRIGHT!!!!! An Episode

10. January 22, 2007

    mbannon

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

11. January 22, 2007

    rumpole

    Gary,

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

12. January 22, 2007

    Mets fan 13

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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. January 22, 2007

    Paul M

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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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!!!!!!

19. 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)

20. 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.

21. 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?).

22. January 22, 2007

    Mike C

    I love that there is an episode today!

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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

27. January 22, 2007

    Lev M.

    Gary, you should also mention that Sideways made pinot noir much more expensive. I saw a big price increase the year after the movie. When I went wine tasting in santa barbara county this past august, there were few decently priced bottles of pinot noir.
    QOTD – Casa Julia merlot was really interesting- it has that green bell pepper goin on and I like that. Its also got a “Chile taste” or character that I guess can only be described as terroir. I know that bottle is from chile when I drink it because it reminds me of the wines I had when I was there.

28. January 22, 2007

    Richard A

    At the entry level I really like Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot 2003. I was buying it at Kroger for under $7 a bottle. Are really good everyday wine.

29. January 22, 2007

    Dave R.

    Eddie Van Haeln has publicly talked about regularly drinking the Smoking Loon Merlot. I’m sure that has helped sales a bit.

30. January 22, 2007

    Ken

    I forgot to mention in my earlier post: another “budget” Merlot that I have had recently in addition to the Columbia Crest that I mentioned earlier is a Chilean wine named Santa Ema. Not bad but probably not as consistent as the Columbia Crest.

31. January 22, 2007

    yoshi

    I thought you were on vacation. Where did you go?
    QOTH Dont have a fav merlot

32. January 22, 2007

    Monrovino

    I’ve always liked Rodney Strong’s Merlot. It’s got a spiciness not found in most $15 bottles. My wife is not a Merlot fan, yet she LOVES Raymond and Rutherford Hill’s Merlots.

    I’d love to get someone’s take on Twomey’s Merlots before I drop $80…

33. January 22, 2007

    yowens44

    Dont know merlot too well but have been into Merryvale (especially 2002) recently

34. January 22, 2007

    JavaMonkey

    Gary, when did you record this episode? Friday night after the server crash? You look pretty beat.

    QOTD – I had a 2002 Reininger Merlot that was very good. I haven’t had a lot of Merlots, so I don’t know how it compares, but I did enjoy that bottle.

35. January 22, 2007

    canadian-kid

    QOTD: never been a big fan or merlot…always found it very one dimentional and almost like a watered down wine. Although, thats for wines under $25cdn. One of these days im going to buy one of the big merlot producers (Shafer or something similar) that always get big scores so i can give merlot a fair shot.

36. January 22, 2007

    Dominus

    I see he’s on early today but will need to watch and enjoy later.

    HOW ‘BOUT DEM COLTS!!!!!!!!!

    Dom

37. January 22, 2007

    Bill T.

    QOTD – Totally agree about the trashing Merlot has received since Sideways but on a positive note, gotta love the prices for a great bottle of Merlot! My favorite over the last year (thanks to you, Gary) has got to be 2002 Charles Creek Miradero Merlot …serious juice and a fantastic buy at $15!

38. January 22, 2007

    Dustin

    2002 Cakebread!!!!!

39. January 22, 2007

    Adam B

    I think the blend on Cheval Blanc changes every year, but a good deal of it is Merlot. Funny, I noticed that when I first saw the movie, too. QOTD= I haven’t had it in a while, but I always liked Keltie Brook, and also Waterbrook from Washington State.

40. January 22, 2007

    manual

    thanks for throwing one at us while on vacation. though i like Merlot mostly in blends I recently enjoyed both the 2002 Raymond Reserve and the 2002 Ferre i Catasus from Penedes, Spain. cheers!

41. January 22, 2007

    Bill F

    The family favorite merlot is Clois du Bois 2001 to 2003. How about including one of these in a future tasing??

42. January 22, 2007

    Orion Slayer

    I read that because a wine has to be only 75% pinot noir to be labeled pinot noir, and wineries need to use their merlot grapes, people who pan merlot may be drinking more of it as it gets blended with pinot noir.

    QOTD: I am currently trying out merlots to “learn” if I like them. In the past I have only had under $7 merlots. My education has just begun, so I’ll have to answer in a month.

    I love the Colts!!!

43. January 22, 2007

    mike volker

    Love that Charles Creek you had on the show. I bought two cases of it.

    Best,

    Mike

44. January 22, 2007

    Hugh

    No Corte Riva’s in that bunch!!!….of course without Merlot, Bordeaux would be….well…i dunno but it wouldnt be Bordeaux…..I have liked recently Westerly Vineyards Merlot 2002 from Santa Ynez Valley….a very good buy at about $15 bucks, and probably has the right stuff to last another 5 years-try it!!

45. January 22, 2007

    waibeans

    hope you watched some football this weekend GV! if you you must have been pumped after the AFC championships! WTG Colts!

    had a laugh about your “Sky Breeze” perfume reference. You should get in touch with Ben Stiller, sounds like a perfect character for Zoolander 2 LOL

    QOD: I haven’t had a Merlot or Cab Sav in probably 3-4 years. Before i had _any_ interest in wine, these two were always the one that I picked up at the supermarket. They formed my amalgamated perception of what tastes like. Haven’t had any since, but I’m sure I will find my way back eventually

46. January 22, 2007

    Large Format Fever

    There are some reasonable right bank Bordeaux that is good for under 20ish dollars. From USA, Columbia Crest Two Vines, 6ish dollars. Cant complain for that price… After a little decanting it is really interesting (in a good way).

47. January 22, 2007

    Louisiana George

    2001 Columbia Crest Merlot on a somewhat regular basis for an under $11 bottle

    Finishing some 1999 Chateau Souverain that I had bought on release for $15 that has developed very well in the cellar and which I am liking very much right now.

    Louisiana George

    PS – Tuned into the “LIVE” show midshow on friday, about 1 minute AFTER you announced free shipping for the weekend. I did not watch the whole taped episode until this morning and I missed the FREE SHIPPING. Kicking myself all day today for that! Don’t hold out on us for too long for another free shipping bonanza like that.

48. January 22, 2007

    garyv

    COLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLTS!
    Thank YOU football gods!

49. January 22, 2007

    wey

    In Sideways he drinks a Cheval Blanc in the end, right? Isn’t that Cabernet Franc?
    Anyway, I like Merlots. I like Pinot. I like WINE

50. January 22, 2007

    Matt B DC

    QOTD: I haven’t gotten to merlot yet. I started with (and spent four years) only drinking beaujolais (in the wine world, at least – - it was mostly beer!) Since then, I’ve tried and gotten stuck on a mess of others, noteable cab sauv and muscadet, but haven’t even gotten to merlot.

    What’s up with the countdown on the whiteboard? Too long to be the t-shirt contest . . . too short to be the number of work-days left in the year (245).

    Thanks for everything!

51. January 22, 2007

    Martin

    Honestly, every time I see a bottle of Merlot I think of Sideways and grab a Pinot Noir.

52. January 22, 2007

    hinrgman

    Gary,

    Thanks for the episode.

53. January 22, 2007

    Jonathon M Chicago

    Go BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARS!

54. January 22, 2007

    CampingLisaB

    Yes Gary…there is a cherry mustard…check out the website:
    http://www.earthy.com/Cherry_Republic_Cherry_Mustard__9_oz_P625C76.cfm

55. January 22, 2007

    mikep

    Gary, count me as a non-Merlot drinker, but I must say, I tasted one in your store last week that was a notch ot two above the average. Something I would even drink

    It’s the 2002 Charles Creek Vineyard Merlot Miradero Sonoma County Napa Valley.

    And you’re out of it! Nice Merlot.

    Good job!

    ps- we never did get together for that chat and drink.

56. January 22, 2007

    Badger Ann

    I generally don’t care for Merlot by itself, I like it in red blends. Last month however, I did have a Washington State Merlot called “14 Hands” which I did enjoy (approx. $11).

57. January 22, 2007

    David Canada

    Nice one Gary…..
    QOTD – My favorite Merlot a nice fruit bomb from St. Emillion called Chateau Pipeau. Nice wine at a god price point

58. January 22, 2007

    Marc Mc

    I have purchased more Merlot in the last 6 months than the previous 6 years becasue of the Corte Riva, Love it.

59. January 22, 2007

    KAHUNA

    2002 Sebastiani Merlot at WL is amazing at $12.99
    2004 Hahn Merlot Montery is also a rocking wine $9.99 or under

    Did tasting notes on both in the forum- shocked no one has mentioned them

60. January 22, 2007

    Wino

    QOTD- Forgot to mention Franciscan Merlot. One of the better bargain ($12-$14) wines, tastes like it is twice as expensive.

61. January 22, 2007

    Jeff (aka Opus None)

    I’ve yet to have a Merlot that’s rocked my world. Some can be said for domestic PN. But I’ll keep lookin…

62. January 22, 2007

    Tony S.

    Hey Gary! I missed you all last week, so I’ll try and play catch up this week, but I’ll probably end up running out of time. Anyway, I’m glad you threw a bone to Merlot. It’s silly what a movie can do. Although, I’m personally not a big merlot fan, I’ve had some Pomerols that have been fantastic as well as other California/Washington versions. But I once had a 97 Masseto at a dinner (I didn’t bring the wine) and man….that was superb. I mean, blow you away suberb. There will never be another merlot like that, except (I imagine) a Petrus.

    One quick beef I have with this episode. Yes it’s all about the wine, but you are the self-proclaimed biggest Jets fan in New Jersey, possibly all of the US. I take that to mean that you are a fan of NFL football–no congrats for the Bears or Colts!?!?!? First off, the Bears just simply are the best team of any sport. Secondly, I would imagine you’d be happy that the Colts beat your division rival Pats in the AFC Championship Game. Shoot, I’m happy they beat them simply cause my wife won’t stop talking about Tom Brady.

    OK…well, GO BEARS!!! See you later. Enjoy that Cherry/Mustard-like Blackstone. By the way, good cheap Merlot is Bogle. Is it Bogle? Ya, I think so. I’ve had that a couple times and, although not blown away, quite satified.

    See you later man.
    T

63. January 22, 2007

    Brookhouser

    Pre recording….GREAT….GO COLTS….Brady fell a little short under the clutch….shall we compare that showing to the Merlots in the episode….wait I guess if we compared they would have to come off strong in the start, but they just laid down flat in the tasting…its ashame…there has to be some good ones out there….I say Merlot round 2

    What Does the 219 stand for in the top corner of the white board

    QOTD- Hogue Genesis 2002
    Gordon Brothers family vineyard 2002
    Both around $20

64. January 22, 2007

    orion9

    Sorry for posting twice, but has anyone had a Beringer Bancroft Ranch Merlot? According to “The Wine Bible” this is supposed to be a great one.

65. January 22, 2007

    tony d

    Gary, some good value Merlot’s I have had are Coppola and Rutherford Hill.

66. January 22, 2007

    QPR Kevin

    QOTD: Anything from Fronsac in Bordeaux.

67. January 22, 2007

    John Blue Label

    What a mensch! Even on vacation, he gives us words of wisdom (thank goodness for videotape!)
    QOTD: Not a merlot guy, but have a bottle of 1999 Matanzas Creek which I have been told to save for a special occassion. It was a gift. Anyone know anything about this wine?

    JW

68. January 22, 2007

    IntoTheFray

    QOTD: Charles Creek Merlot Miradero 2002

    Nothing too special about it but it’s a very nice drinking wine that you recommended.

69. January 22, 2007

    JonE

    Thanks G-Man. Happy happy monday.

    QOTD: I totally agree with KAHUNA, Hahn Merlot is a steal. Plus if you can still find some of the 01′ de Trafford Merlot from S.Africa it is very nice for that new worldy vegetal thing if your into that. Merlot seems to be getting better in the lower price range, but I still prefer something on the level of Whitehall Lane. Which is definitely not an everyday drinker for me. Oh well I’ll be rich some day.

70. January 22, 2007

    Dominus

    That was almost as intense as the final 2 mins of the Colts game last night waiting to hear what gary had to say about the largest selling Merlot in the world, Blackstone. I appreciater your candor and palate as I, too, despise Blackstone Merlot. It is sooo bad but again, it’s a matter of taste and that bottle of wine (to me) is appalling. Thank you Gary. Whew!

    QOTD: Now, what Merlot have I beem drinking? Well, after your review of Corte Riva, I had to try and yes, it is one great Merlot. I have yet to try the Paloma but am willing to buy some if I can find it. Let’s see, any other Merlots? Oh oh, a cheapo called Redwood Creek is drinkable and not too bad but give me the Corte.

    Get some rest Gary but thanks for the show. It was great.

    Dom

71. January 22, 2007

    Dominus

    And as we all know, the greatest Merlot was created by my avatar, Christian Moueix of Chat Petrus and Dominus fame.

72. January 22, 2007

    Ryan

    Gary,
    You need to forget about California Merlot. Work your way up the coast to Washington. Get your hands on Boudreaux. An amazing merlot for about $35. For a cheaper Merlot check out Kiona. A Red Mountain winery that makes a killer Cab/Merlot blend for $9 and a good Merlot for about $18.

73. January 22, 2007

    BigMC

    QOTD-02 Pride Mountain Top Merlot and 03 Corte Riva. They are amazing if you like the flavor profile of Cali mountain fruit. BTW Romel Rivera, the wine maker for Corte Riva is also the asst. winemaker to Bob Foley of Pride Mtn.

    Have a great vacation. Thanks for throwin in an episode for the nation.

74. January 22, 2007

    Burton

    Last year I drank a case each of Alexander Valley Vineyards($12) and Swanson ($20). Both merlots were special offerings from my local store. Although these were offered at discount prices, both wineries produce wonderful wines consistintly. Also love Vine Cliff and Twomey although I don’t drink “often”.

75. January 22, 2007

    Matt B DC

    Well, I counted it out because it was bothering me. It looks like the countdown is to August 18th; my fiancee’s is the 17th. No other major events around that time which I know of . . .

76. January 22, 2007

    joe

    Gary – Chateau Cheval Blanc, 1961, was produced with only 12% merlot in its final blend – it always majority Cab Franc.

    Jw (post 66). Matanzas Creek used to be prime merlot juice – now totally downhill after big corp bought it in late 90’s. The ‘99 you should DRINK NOW. MC was already going downhill then. My ’97’s are now over-the-hill and it was produced at peak of their quality.

    QOTD: don’t buy much merlot anymore. Currently drinking through cases of ‘97 Pride and ‘95 Chateau Clos de L’Eglise in my cellar.

77. January 22, 2007

    E

    But why drink merlot when you can drink cab franc?

    Seriously, though … although I grabbed a few bottles of the Miradero out of curiosity, I don’t think I’ve had either of the go-to merlots I grew up on, so to speak, for a couple of years at least–Veramonte from Chile and Estancia from the Central Coast.

78. January 22, 2007

    BV

    I’m not a big Merlot fan – seems kinda bitter to me. But I’m a huge Marilyn fan, so I’ve been given about 6 bottles of Marilyn Monroe Merlot — all still unopened.

    QOD: I notice there’s always a bottle of Foxhorn Merlot around the house, so that must be my wife’s favorite. In fact, she has a Q 4 U: “Ask Gary what he thinks of Foxhorn Merlot and Cab as regular everyday house wines.”

    Over & out.

    Bill V.

79. January 22, 2007

    good old ludwig van

    I love how Gary is recommending foie gras with the $12 merlot. I’m sure John Q. Public buying his $12 merlot will get right on that!

    

80. January 22, 2007

    joe

    Orion9 (post 64). The Beringer Bancroft Ranches of the nineties were legandary stuff. The’94 & ‘95 were Black Licorice bombs with amazing length. More concentrated than almost any cabernet outside of Harlan. Very Oaky. You have to love oak. I have not had one since the ‘97 vintage though (another great wine), and can’t vouch for current vintages.

81. January 22, 2007

    C. W., Brazil

    COLTS or BEARS?
    PINOT or MERLOT?
    Great vocations Gary!!
    Don´t forget my under US$ 30,00 calif…

82. January 22, 2007

    gwigton

    Hello Gary,
    I have to agree with a previous post- Pride Mountain Merlot is fantastic! I wish I had more in my cellar.
    Actually, just about any wine from Pride Mountain is terrific but hard to find in my area.
    Enjoy your vacation.

    Greg W

83. January 22, 2007

    Riezin

    Such a suprise – bonus show. First merlot that favorably comes to mind is a Rancho Sisquoc from several years back. They’re from out in Santa Barbara.

84. January 22, 2007

    acousticdoc

    Based on the episode and the comments, it doesn’t look like we are helping the Merlot cause much. Heve a great trip Gary!!!

85. January 22, 2007

    bugbirdfishboy

    QOTD: 2004 Casillero del Diablo Merlot from Chili isn’t bad for $9.

86. January 22, 2007

    MBG

    Gary,

    I don’t drink much Merlot due to the fact that almost all of the inexpensive Merlot is garbage, and and the really good stuff is expensive(and I’d rather spend that type of $$ on other grapes). Some fantastic Calif Merlot include Pride and Lewis Cellars. I believe that WA state does Merlot better than Calif. Some good WA Merlots that will not break the bank include Gordon Brothers and J.Bookwalter.

    MBG

87. January 22, 2007

    Jimmy Smokepac

    This is a question Gary, not a comment. What’s your favourite restaurant in NYC with a great wine program and why? Any recommendations? Some great ones here in Toronto. I’m a fan of wine lists and restaurants.

88. January 22, 2007

    Jahlove

    Can’t say that I drink a lot of Merlot these days (which has nothing to do with Sideways). It’s just that there is so much other stuff out there to try. I used to drink a lot of Clos du Bois and Franciscan Estates Merlot back when I was starting out. But since then I usually don’t reach for Merlot unless it’s something special. I’ve had some pretty memorable Merlots in the past year, including l’Ecole No. 41 (Washington State), Leonetti (also Washington State), but probably the most memorable was Falesco’s Montiano (Tuscany). I loved all three of those wines, but those aren’t exactly everyday wines are they?

89. January 22, 2007

    Susan

    COLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLTS!
    Thank YOU football gods!

    Comment 48: By garyv on January 22nd, 2007 at 4:59 pm

    Hey Gary-
    Thanks so much for the Merlot episode!
    This is one of the few varietals I have been drinking for 18 years!
    Yeah, I know, I know. I started drinking Merlot as a baby!
    Seriously, I do honestly like Merlot.
    QOD: 2002 Biltmore Estate Reserve Merlot is one that I have enjoyed.
    I know you are shocked!?!?
    BTW:
    GO COLTS!
    

90. January 22, 2007

    RobM

    Long time lurker (watcher), new poster:

    QOTD: Washington, IMO does Merlot better than anyone else in the US. My go-to’s: Hogue Genesis: this is serious Merlot just under $20; L’Ecole No. 41: always good quality…maybe not the best but you can always rely on it bringing something interesting to the table for the $$; No brainer: Columbia Crest, either Two Vine or Grand Estates…CC is an easy choice–their wine maker is an artist on a grand scale.

    I would love to see a tasting of some other Merlots. This varietal got bitch-slapped from Sideways, and I’m not sure your choices for this episode were the best for the price range, even though they are your best sellers. I love Pinot Noir like no-other, but certainly not at the expense of another classic varietal. It’s not like Merlot is Norton or something. I’m not drinking NO F*&*(@ing Norton!

91. January 22, 2007

    OhioPride

    97 Sebastiani, oh it drank so well. Anything Washington State, an absolute steal for the money and it doesn’t stop with Merlot.

92. January 22, 2007

    cpd

    I had a bottle of McManis Merlot recently that was fairly painless… As for GV not mentioning the Colts/Bears, I wonder if he didn’t do a little pre-recording prior to the vacation romp?

93. January 23, 2007

    KW

    2003 and 2004 Blackstone Merlot are dissappointing.
    2001 and 2002 Blackstone Merlot were ok for everyday drinking wines.
    I recently drank a 1999 Geyser Peak which was quite good.
    Prefer Cabs or cab/merlot blends…but I find that the vintage year and some storage (3-5 years) makes a major difference even on some of the less expensive wines.

94. January 23, 2007

    Ricky D

    Hey Gary, I’ve noticed that darker is almost always deemed “better” when it comes to color in red wines. A wine I drank recently left a residual red hue on the inside of the glass. Made me wonder if it wasn’t some sort of artificial color enhancement. Are we as consumers demanding that every red wine be a teeth-staining, inky concoction? If so….why?

95. January 23, 2007

    ChrisR

    QOD – Has to be Washington State Merlot….you can almost never go wrong with Columbia Crest.

96. January 23, 2007

    Glenn Fry

    For around 13 bucks, I love the ‘04 Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Merlot!
    Besides Merlot, I am enchanted by Francis Coppola’s Claret… what a finish! (And nobody’s rated this?!) Wow!

97. January 23, 2007

    Glenn Fry

    Also loved the 2001 Keenan Merlot ($30 per bottle)!

98. January 23, 2007

    Lars

    Thanks for the episode, Wine Guy. For goodness sake, I hope you are not reading this. Enjoy your Vay-cay!

    Got a bottle of Rancho Sisquoc Merlot at the winery during a visit. As I recall it tasted great. They had a hard time selling it (ala Side Ways), so they were dumping it at 1/2 price. Need to pop it soon.

    Lars

99. January 23, 2007

    ThomasS

    Hey Gary. Good reasoning on that: “Hey connoiseurs, don’t forget the children of the lesser gods”. Like that .
    QOTD: 1) An inexpensive Merlot: Viña la Rosa La Palma Merlot 2005; solid bottle, spicy, black fruits, some earthy overtones, just good for this price (€ 5) 2) Expensive Merlot: Clos Fourtet 1999; leather, earth, very lush, yet elegant, nice dark fruits (bramble), good lift on the finish (€ 44) 3) My absolute favourite: Independent Minds Merlot 1998; vibrantly fresh, no signs of bottle age, superb focus and delineation, elegant black berry salsa, blond tobacco, mint, very long and savoury finish, well integrated tannins, almost perfect (€ 17).
    So, Merlot doesn’t stink for me. Not really my winey balls, but, well yes, can be very nice.

100. January 23, 2007

     MetalDave

     QOTD:

     My favourite Merlot-based wine this year is the Chateau Peyrou from the Cotes de Castillon in Bordeaux. It sells in Ireland for 18 Euros.

     I recently had a Clifornian Merlot I liked that was given to me as a gift. I think it was called Pine Ridge (?). I really enjoyed that – though I have no idea what it would cost.

     I think it’s absolutely rediculous that people would be so influenced by a movie. Sheep! Didn’t you say the 1999 Haut Brion had a lot of Merlot? Certainly pop culture influencing someone to dog on such a wine is absurd…

101. January 23, 2007

     thomas korent

     My favourite Merlot was a Canadian one (ok, I haven’t had that many pure Merlots, but still, a wine that I would absolutely recommend): Mission Hill’s Single Lot Collection Merlot 2002. It’s a BC wine and sells for 30 Canadian Dollars in British Columbia Liquor stores and on their webpage. Gismondi (the BC wine rater) says 92 points on this one and I totally agree. Plus: isn’t it fancy to throw a BC wine into a blind tasting? I just love the faces people make when you tell them that their favourite came from Canada!
     Merlot based wines: Luce 1997 (I think 50 50 Sangiovese Grosso and Merlot) – absolute GrandSlam!

102. January 23, 2007

     eugene

     Gary,
     Thanks for taping this episode for us to watch when you’re away relaxing while whole country is WORKING HARD!

     I never buy inexpensive merlot-tried it didn’t like it. If I need inexpensive wine for daily drinking I go to Cote du Rhone or Spain isle.

     QOTD:

     The one merlot that was pretty good was Rutherford Hill Merlot ($17, I believe).
     I hear that some people rave about Italian Merlot but haven’t come across of a good one yet.

     Sebastiani at $12 wasn’t bad either.

103. January 23, 2007

     Capt M

     Life goes around in cycles. As you once (or more than once) said, Merlot will come around some day, and regain its status. So Concepcion and I are doing the smart thing to do now, which is buying good quality, lowered priced Merlots, and putting them away. We don’t need to put them away, but I believe in the strong characteristics of Merlot, and their ability to evolve and age well. In sideways, this guy would not drink Merlot, I believe, only because it brought it memories of his ex-wife. He was saving a precious bottle of Merlot, I believe, in hopes to some day be able to get back with her. In my opinion, what’s behind this plot in the movie, is just to promote what California produces best, and in particular, the region of Southern California, in this case, Santa Barbara. I don’t believe that Merlot is among the top quality grape grown in California. Pinot noir is up there, and of course, Zinfandels are probably on top. Top quality, I’m talking; not top production. In my opinion, or based on my observation, the scale of quality achieved in California goes more or less like this: Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cab Sauvignon, and then Merlot. In whites is Chardonnay, of course, and then Sauvignon blanc. To my pallad, or in my brain, Merlot is probably the best companion with cheese, specially some hard or aged cheeses. But definitely a food wine. Some of the Merlots that I’m saving are: Marques de Casa Concha 2005 Merlot (Chile); 2004 Stonehaven Merlot (South Eastern Aus).

104. January 23, 2007

     Lynne

     QOD: I am not presently drinking Merlot, but the ones that I have tried, enjoyed and written down have been
     Charles Creek Merlot Miradero 2002
     Casa Julia Reserve Merlot 2002
     Corte Riva Merlot 2003
     I still have a couple of each left, but I’m on a new kick now. How long can you safely cellar these types?

105. January 23, 2007

     damon

     I had some Bogle Merlot that was pretty drinkable, if not a bit old for the category. 2001. Its not very often you get to try an $8 wine with 5-6 years on it. nose was smokey with some rasberry on the nose. a little rough in the mouth, but all in all drinkable.
     Had the Ch. Mylord ‘05 rescently. Merlot based and a definite buy for the WL price, if not the local $20 price tag.

106. January 23, 2007

     JBelleJinx

     Ronguy…..where are you???

107. January 23, 2007

     DS in DC

     Gary, for cherry mustard try: http://www.mustardmuseum.com and search on “cherry.”

108. January 23, 2007

     ChrisR

     Can’t forget Chateau St. Michelle Merlot!

109. January 23, 2007

     GottaGoDrink

     Gary- First, A definite thumbs up to all the Saints fans who came to support their team in Chicago on Sunday. Very gracious wishing the Bears well in the SB after the game. You showed there is sportsmanship still left in sports.

     QOD- I agree with Canada #57 about the Pipeau and also like the 2000 Ch. Daugay from St-Emilion which is 50% merlot and 50% cabernet franc.

110. January 23, 2007

     Karl B.

     QOTD – Merlots from Spring Mountain in Napa are fabulous. I have enjoyed them from Barnett, and of course the Pride and Paloma Merlots get a lot of great scores.

111. January 23, 2007

     George Costanza

     SUSAN: How do you like the Merlot?

     ESTELLE: Merlot? I never heard of it. Did they just invent it?

     MRS. ROSS: Oh, mother.

     GEORGE: She’s, uh, she’s heard of Merlot.

112. January 23, 2007

     Joe Po

     Bad boy, Gary, Bad boy. F-Pinot noir. Although the color of the lettering is great. Did you use some of the wine in the spit bucket to form them?!?!
     QOD: I’ve never really cared for Merlot. They seem to be weak.

113. January 23, 2007

     Keith Miller

     My Merlot, inexpensive picks usually come from Cht st. Michelle…My problem with domestic Merlot is that so much of it is blended and I think that really needs to be discussed with the consumer….
     10% of this or 15% of that can really push Merlot’s flavor profile’s many different ways. Merlot (sure it’s heavier) is somewhat elegant like Pinot in that a little bit of something else put into it can really change it….I think that is what you expierienced today Gary V….Discussing the blends of wines I think is missing in many reviews…or at least the ones that the blend has changed the wine flavor’s….Good job Gary V.

114. January 23, 2007

     wine dog

     Merlot is great with complex foods. Merlot and a burger is my favorite. Columbia Crest is great for the price.

     GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

115. January 23, 2007

     Wil Neverspit (formerly Wil H)

     Um, he couldn’t congratulate the Bears or Colts, or discuss the games at all, because he recorded this episode before the games were played… I’m guessing the next few episodes will not mention football either.

     QOTD: I took a Chilean Merlot, Montes Alpha, to a tasting party several years ago. I liked it alot, and it stole the show. I must admit, I have not ordered Merlot in restaurants, since Sideways. Not totally because of the movie, but because I never thought they were as food-friendly as Pinot Noir or Savignon Blanc (my normal Red-White dynamic duo). Hey, maybe Rex Pickett actually loves Merlot and was just trying to drive the prices down for his own benefit? hmmm? hmmm? it’s possible.

     Gary, speaking of Sideways, you should really do your tastings from a styro-foam cup!

     Wil Neverspit (formerly Wil H)

116. January 23, 2007

     RandyB

     If people judge Merlot by what you were tasting no wonder it has a bad rap. I haven’t had a Ch. Sourverain or Sterling I didn’t like at a price point under $20. If course, with these wines you can’t be afraid of the oak monster.

     Ciao

117. January 23, 2007

     Joe in LA

     I was rolling…. watching your pour that swill into your mouth!Why torture yourself!
     GREAT reaction to the Blackstone. Shouldn’t they be embarrased to bottle that…?

     BEST Merlot under 20…Chateau Joanin Becot ( Bordeau)…usually 80% Merlot anyway. Aren’t most “merlots” not 100% anyway?

118. January 23, 2007

     Bill mondavi

     Fetzer Valley Oak and Beringer Fouders are my goto wine. If I want to spend a little bit more money I will buy Benziger Merlot, for the price the Benziger is hard to beat..

119. January 23, 2007

     Paul

     I like the Charles Creek Merlot Miradero 2002 for something with reasonable price. But my favorite is 2003 Rafanelli. You just can’t get it easily.

120. January 23, 2007

     Gregg Johnson

     1. 2002 Michael Shaps Merlot Monticello – King Family Vineyards
     2. 2002 Keenan Reserve Merlot Spring Mountain District
     3. 2002 Keenan Merlot Napa Valley – Carneros

121. January 23, 2007

     jon777

     QOTD: In the past, Matanzas Creek has made some of my favorite Merlots — dissapointed to see the earlier post that they’ve been going downhill — haven’t had anything from them in awhile — bummer if true.

     Columbia Crest (any of them) are great everyday wines — great to open with a Pizza when I want something inexpensive…

     Snoqualmie Reserve (I think was in one of the early WLTV eps, is very nice)

122. January 23, 2007

     Lawrence Leichtman

     Under $10 from CA watch out. Mostly garbage as these tend to be made of excess juice picked over from the good juice.
     For me Corte Rive stands out still working on a mixed case of this over 10 years now. Washington State and New Zealand surpass California for most Merlots but blended it is still outstanding in France though almost never a stand alone grape. Thanks for giving us something to do while you are gone besides just getting soused.

123. January 23, 2007

     Justin

     1997 Markham Merlot was awesome. I had this about a month ago at dinner. Was really nice. I havent tried any other years but if they were as good as the 1997 I would buy them again. Other than that I havent had to many merlots recently that were memorable.

124. January 23, 2007

     Spitfire

     Man,Merlot, how thee star has fallen. Anyway, my first try at Merlot was a bottle of Turning Leaf…….yes, I swore it off. Hey, it one of my first bottles of wine. Now, I do like the Columbia Crest, but its a little over $10 here.

     - Ben Lee on the MS Gulf Coast

125. January 23, 2007

     JayZee

     QOD: I love most Washington State Merlots. I think they kick Cali Merlot’s butt big time. My favorite right now is Bookwalter Merlot, but I also really like Januik and Boudreaux Cellars as well as some of the less expensive like Chateau St. Michelle, Columbia Crest and Sagelands.

126. January 23, 2007

     Capt M

     Wil Neverspit – Montes Alpha is very respectable, I agree

127. January 23, 2007

     NickG

     QOTD:
     Current favorite merlot – 2003 Chateau Haut-Ballet Canon-Fronsac. Outstanding and a great value at $20.

128. January 23, 2007

     Claudio

     Merlot drank recently?

     2000 Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot – very nice stuff.

     Cheers!

     Claudio

129. January 23, 2007

     Shotgun

     QOD– Finally got to taste a Paloma Merlot (2003). Awesome. Not exactly your everyday wine though. Many of its Spring Mountain neighbors do well with merlot, and I have noticed a lot of comments about Pride, Keenan and the like. I agree. The Provenance merlots are pretty good and not horribly expensive.

130. January 24, 2007

     dadobs

     QOTD: Ditto on BigMC’s comment #73 about ‘02 (and previous vintage) Pride and ‘03 Corte Riva. Anyone tried Duckhorn lately? Mentioning these reminds me of a question someone else once asked: why don’t more wineries make (really) good merlot in the $20-40 range? It seems like the market goes right from crappy (dirty cardboard) $10 merlot directly to the (often great) $50+ range. Any insights, Gary?

     Btw, the 2002 Charles Creek Merlot Miradero you pimped really is a solid bottle and easily worth twice the money. The Charles Creek people (of John Deere fame!) hopefully feel like they owe you a favor next year given all the favorable pub you’ve given them.

     Again a little too late to make the top 10(0)…damn….

     p.s. my brother from Minnesota wants WineLibrary to know that his state recently saw the light and has modernized their wine shipping laws (hint to the shipping dept.)….

131. January 24, 2007

     Justmarsh

     I’m surprised you didn’t taste the Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot. That’s in the same price range and got 90 points from Spectator. I like the concentration and jammy-ness of it, but it feels like it lacks structure. Not too bad for 10 bucks though.

132. January 24, 2007

     CollegeFootballisNumberOne

     Gary,

     I’m surprised that you have not featured Marques de Casa Concha Merlot from Concha y Toro $12-15. The 2001 has held up well in short term cellaring featuring both Bordeaux like qualities of earth, tobacco, and an impressive new world cherry liquer-like fruit quality. 2003 recently tasted and was really impressed, you’ll see where this is going…”Nice dark, dark color…”

     This is an impressive series–keep up the good work.

133. January 24, 2007

     Colin

     QOTD….I will support comment #101 by thomas korent. The best Merlot I’ve had lately was a Tinhorn Creek ‘02 Merlot out of British Columbia. Great forward berry flavours and nose with a huge finish. I was quite impressed. Based on my experiences with Merlot it looks like Washington and British Columbia do some decent QPR Merlots. Oh yeah, if any other fellow Canadian winos out there are interested check out Jancis Robinson’s recent Canadian wine tastings…very impressive.

134. January 24, 2007

     Peter

     Great episode,

     Very funny, cheap merlot is cheap for a reason. I am sorry I don’t have a pick for a good cheap merlot, perhaps a good cab/merlot blend from Australia from Dan Phillips or Mollydooker?

     Peter

135. January 27, 2007

     Vinacull

     JW (Post 67): I agree with Joe (post 76) regarding the Matanzas Creek. In the early to mid 1990’s (esp. 92) they did spectacular Merlot. Since they sold (’96 or 97, not sure) the quality has been VG range and the price came down to around the high 20’s range. In short, drink up! QOTD: Years before Sideways we fell away from Merlots because it always seemed that to get something more complex than just cherries and choclate one had to spend 25 to 45 bucks. I think the last merlot we had was in a tasting last year, a ‘99 Newton Epic, which was excellent but was about $50. Otherwise we more often drink Merlot in the context of a special occasion meritage, like Viadur.

136. January 30, 2007

     Miguelo DiMarco

     I always find it hard to believe that Rex-Goliath doesn’t top the budget sales for all their respective varieties. Are the people not trying it? I’m patiently waiting for their Syrah to become widely distributed.

     I’m still drinking Merlot in the supporting role only. ((looking forward to the Lamborghini Campoleone I’ve purchased)) — What can I say – I like Malbec and Monastrell (aka Mourvedre) in dubious amounts as I wish to ’spend’ my liver on ~structure~

     FYI – I was a Merlot basher before Sideways; the female wine newbies definitely like it, but if I’m buying, there are better options to put on the table that they (and I) will go for.

137. January 31, 2007

     Uncle Josh

     QoD: I’ve been 2003 Columbia Crest Grand Estates. $8 and very drinkable.

138. February 1, 2007

     Neil

     I recently enjoyed a Cuvaison Carneros Merlot. Balanced and had a nice acidity. Went well with dinner. I’d buy it again.

139. February 17, 2007

     YOUNG

     duckhorn merlot
     Shafer merlot

140. March 1, 2007

     Jtk

     QOTD: Hi Gary, I’m not a huge fan of merlots in general either. My Favorite merlot that I’ve drunk 3 of in the past year is the 2002 J Lohr Winery Merlot Los Osos Merlot. Most of the cheaper merlot I’ve had gives me a headache after a couple of glasses. This one didn’t, so i like it. Cheers ~ Jtk

141. March 5, 2007

     TR

     Glad to see that I’m not the only one who “got” the Cheval Blanc irony from the Sideways movie. Though it is only @45% Merlot and 55% Cab Franc depending on vintage. QOTD If you can find it Prieure Lalande (lussac-St. Emilion) @$17 ‘00 vntg. is a fantastic value. The 65% Merlot 25% Cab Franc 10% Cab Savgn ratio gives complexity, chewiness, balance and a long finish you’d expect in a $50+ wine.

142. March 6, 2007

     Malarkey

     Regusci Merlot, from the Napa Valley, definitely a fruit bomb, and not cheap at 45 “bones” But I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

143. June 10, 2007

     kd

     OMG….did he say rotten cardboard with a fruit salad on top!! That was hilarious! I have to say if you want a decent merlot….go to the 15-20$ range. The Blackstone Napa Valley Merlot is so much better, you would hardly know it was the same winery. It’s about $17 a bottle.

     Although, my favorite merlot of late is the Summerland Santa Barbara county merlot $16. It’s a softer merlot, so it’s an excellent drinking wine. Not my favorite with food, but it has its moments. And it’s 100% merlot, so you dont get that spicy note from the Shiraz.

144. April 6, 2008

     Grif

     I’ve been working my way from episode #1 forward. This was the first time you did a wine that I had in my collection. It’s the 2004 Trinchero Family Merlot. My palate needs educating so I tried to learn from this. Normally when I open a bottle I pour some into a glass to bring the level down to the wider part of the bottle exposing a larger surface area to the air. But to get the same experience as you I followed your procedure which in this case was only about 2 hours through the neck of the bottle exposing a sub-dime size surface area of wine. I wish I could detect the flavors you can. We did both like the wine. I found with more breathing that the oak monster came out to play. This was fine with me, I love the oak monster.

145. April 2, 2009

     monden

     I have two favorite merlot: one that is quite inexpensive, and one a little bit pricier. The first is the spanish merlot Torres Atrium, 15$ can. wich translates to 12,50$ us. Amazing fruit, espacially if lightely chilled. The second one is 25$ can. so i guess about 20$ us and it’s the Vistorta from Italian producer Brandolini. I have to mention for the record that these prices include taxes in canadian dollars, so it makes it even more interesting. Our tax is 13%.

     I thought it would be interesting to mention 2 countrys that are not known for their merlot production. The italian merlot is an amazing italian food wine. The first one is a great summer wine.

146. April 22, 2009

     rap

     no bad…

147. May 29, 2009

     Phredd

     I’ve never really liked merlot, since I first began to enjoy wines. Not sure why. It just seems kind of flat for me compared to the many other interesing varietals out there. There must be one out there I would like. I’ll keep looking….

148. June 11, 2009

     Kell Brigan

     I read in an interview that in Sideways the Chevel Blanc (a blend of merlot & cab franc) was included specifically as an insider joke for vinophiles. And, it kind of shows that the main character is a bit of a phony (albeit, still a nice guy) in terms of his wine knowledge. So, the bashing of merlot and cab franc had nothing to do with their actual quality. (Ah, but isn’t the history of wine full of such stories? Personally, I find myself lusting for a Sophia rose solely because they wrap it in pink tulle. Have no idea what it tastes like, but the bottle makes me feel pretty.)

149. September 4, 2009

     Ryan

     ran across this epesode because I was searching for epesodes that contained stuff from blackstone but glad I watched, good to see some older WLTV ( I just started watching about a year ago ) and I’m a big fan of merlot and have a tough time branching out on reds, it’s something about the merlots that I really like the taste of.

     I am liking the blackstone riesling 2005 (available at the grocery store) we are drinking tonight, was actually debating picking up the merlot insted some what glad I didn’t.

150. October 16, 2009

     Philly Boy

     Haven’s.

151. October 20, 2009

     John J.

     qotd: best merlot I had in the past year is the best merlot. had a 96 Petrus, a lucky find for me. don’t drink alot of merlot though really.

     A vin jaune episode Gary would be fun to watch

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