Under The Radar, Merlot

Under The Radar, Merlot – Episode #407

February 13, 2008

Gary today looks at Merlots from 3 different regions. Is Merlot a wine which people have forgotten about?

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Comments on this episode(414) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Generally prefer low oaking, with the exception of classic oak s…” by richardvinifera
“I’m an Oak Monster Swing voter… I have a hard time with it’s views o…” by Elliott
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2002 Grapes Of Roth MerlotNew York Merlot
2003 Chateau Beausejour BecotSt Emilion
2004 Long Shadows PedestalWashington Red Meritage

Links mentioned in todays episode.

The OakMonster.com

414 Responses

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February 14, 2008

drkucharski
OAK? isn’t that what the HARDWOOD FLOORS in the kitchen are made of?
Isn’t that the ONLY place it belongs.
February 14, 2008

Social Brian
Bar-oak Obama? I guess I’d have to vote against.

I hope I’m not bark-ing up the wrong tree here, but seriously, sometimes the wood is good. (Kahuna, calm down!) A little oak never killed anybody — isn’t oak what they’ve been making barriques out of, for the past, oh, 500 years or so? When it’s gimmicky, yes, it can be a bit much. But sometimes there’s nothing more fun than sinking into a buttery, oakey California chardonnay – chilled way below room temp (sorry, GV). And then again, other times, a crisp Pouilly-Fume aged in stainless steel or concrete hits the spot. So I guess it depends on the mood.

I love my Oak Monster tee. Thanks again, GV!
February 14, 2008

medo
QOTD: The oak monster should work with a pipette and pincer for me…
February 14, 2008

Shotinfilm
Don’t hate on the Oak Monster!

Actually, I’m only voting for him because he seems like the underdog.
February 14, 2008

thecobalt9
I vote against the Oak Monster, only because, you know, I like the taste of the fruit in most wines. Call me crazy I too prefer women with not a ton of makeup – and I even grew up in NJ!! How’d that happen?!?!
February 14, 2008

matthews
the oak monster should pull out of the race
February 14, 2008

Ted Striker
OMG!! Vivian is soo freakin’ adorable. I almost forgot what I was going to say about the episode. My sister has the greatest little 5mo. old Wilder, I feel the love!
Torn on the oak monster, atypical for me when it comes to politics, etc., but we enjoy some oak with a side of butter when it comes to our everday chards. Yet, we do really dig some macons and burgundy satellites as ofren as possible. Otherwise, I’ll give the oak doggie a fat p-a-s-s! And I did chew on his his ass a little bit with the ‘03 Pedestal and enjoyed it. I’ve consistantly been happy with duckhorn, shafer, tamarack, and frias, to name a few. And actually, as a good value, the Santa Ema Rsv. merlot from Chile for 8-10 bones is a tastey easy drinker.
BTW! GV- Had a 1949 Rioja -Bodegas Bilbainas recently. Wow, it had been in the deep freeze at Bern’s and it was tremendous. Bit of funk that blew off after a little airing out. great color! and it drank really well. gorgeous, silky texture, still had atouch of fruit and some grip. Oldest vintage I’ve ever had. Was a pre-beat the holiday b-s vday dinner for us. it was great food as well!! – Personal invite- If you’re in the tampa -or florida for that matter- area, give a shout or whathaveyou! I’m sure you’re famaliar with the joint. Really an experience with the right peeps taking care of you and the the wine list is, literally, second to none. That Rioja was in amazing condition and about $35 a half bottle. They have so much incredible old sh*t, and it feels like an old school bordelo with butlers! And the food is world class. And no, I don’t work there. Can’t wait for 408!
February 14, 2008

luvgrapesqueezings
I’m against the oak monster!!!!
February 14, 2008

Fiorentina!
The Oak Monster and I are like “Rob & Big”! One day, the Oak Monster and I will be on the cover of a “Good Friends” cereal box smiling back at the world! I know that he can get alittle annoying at times, but who doesn’t? This is exactly what I was trying to tell him last night when we hit the Gaslamp in San Diego…he was hitting the Jack pretty hard and kept asking me, “Why doesn’t Gary like me?” I really didn’t know what to do, so all I could mumble out was, “maybe Gary just doesn’t like trees…” Gary, why no love for my man, the Oak?
February 14, 2008

Dan A
I’ll have to vote against… I used to LOVE the oak monster when I first got into wine about 12 years ago. Now I see it as really annoying. Don’t get me wrong, I still like a little when it’s well integrated.
February 14, 2008

Kevin
DUDE! Not only are you wasting copious amounts of wine but you’re breaking glasses now! How do you sleep at night? The Ice Wine episode was bad enough…

I vote against the oak monster. If i wanted to taste that much oak I’d skip the whole spending twenty dollars process and go to the park and start chewing on a tree.
February 14, 2008

Ben B
so anti oakmonster, particularly when i buy an expensive chardonnay and Oakmonster Ali comes out and beats my ass for 12 rounds… Not cool
February 14, 2008

Karl of Packer Nation
oak monster is a dictator, not getting my vote ever.
February 14, 2008

DJB
I am completely against the oak monster. I too have found many wines “ruined” by over-oaking.
February 14, 2008

Chateau_plonk
I vote against. I can understand why people like the oak monster, but for me it makes me wonder what was so wrong with the wine that they had to gussie (sp?) it up with a bunch of oak. That being said though, most of my favorite red wines do see some oak (some being the critical word here).
February 14, 2008

laurie in VT
Holy cow! It’s late and my math is more off than usual! Try only 54 in 21 years…
February 14, 2008

tomfar
The Oak Monster BLOWS! You said it, GV. Great fruit obliterated by $$$ to get Parker points is a major flaw in this business. You don’t need Michael Rolland to pull that move. Anyone can do it.
February 14, 2008

laurie in VT
Finally caught up w/ the last 5 eps tonight.(!) Vivian rules! Hey, you could have her on as a guest when she’s 21 – after all, you’d only be 44 by then… ; )

QOTD: A little oak goes a long way, in my somewhat limited experience, so no Monster for me.
February 14, 2008

CRZYWinemaker
GV ~ Intersting tasting, seems like the Oak Monster theme continues to be all the rage with the current cult like wines. Maybe I should begin to make a 100% Oak wine with 16% Alc. maybe I could get a 95 point wine rating ??

QOTD: definite pazzz on the Oakey Oakster !!

Keep on keeping on with the T-show, Cheers, Max
February 14, 2008

Dan C.
Yeah I really don’t know if i’ve experienced the oak monster yet …

But when I do I will vote on this topic…

I’ll see you soon oak monster…

Thanks GV.
February 14, 2008

Todd S
I like some oak and some of my favorites had a little. I do not think I have had an over oaked wine. I need to try a decent wine that is over the top to understand my oak tolerance. Does anyone have any recommendations?
February 14, 2008

MattyO
great show. my first good experiences with vino were with merlots…fond memories.

QOTD: i vote FOR the oak monster because i have had some good experiences with him, he has been good to me so far so i can’t hate on him.

thanks mott! thanks gary! thanks to everybody just cause you rock!
February 14, 2008

CAB
QOTD AGAINST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the Oak Monster. He makes wine nasty, I think the Oak Monster is
responsible for me giving up wine for so many years.
February 14, 2008

Kdawg
QOTD: gary, count me in as anti-oak montster. When done right Oak can work, but it’s over done way too much and it just ruins wine. Recently I had a chance to taste a Walter Hansel Chard and it was all oak, and all I could think was WTF.

While I’m on it, count me as anti-butter bandit. When are the california chardonnay makers going to learn to end these awful flavors and allow the wonderful flavors that chardonnay can bring out to the forefront
February 14, 2008

RB
GV and Vivian,
I can’t tell you how that video takes me back to when my two children were that age….It is a special time…enjoy!!!! Family and wine….and cheese!

GV, can I tell you how intrigued I am with the cab franc….I have to try. I am all about QPR and this looks like a wine that brings the thunder….
thanks….

BTW, the Carm was better than advertised! Thanks!