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

bigmay
QOTD: I’m in favor of the oak monster in small doses. A little vanilla cream on my berries is always welcome.
February 14, 2008

Brent Marshall
I am With the Oakmonster.

No doubt the oak monster has a time and a place at my table. I don’t know if I have really ever wavered from that – sometimes something a bit lighter is nice – sometimes it is a cold winter day, I am having some steak – and a nice little oaked wine is great. That being said, I can’t think of a time where I have been completely blown over by the oak. Maybe if I had that one that was rough, it might chance my perspective unfavorable. What is the last completely, obnoxiously over-oaked wine you tried (that you stock at WL)? Weird request but always trying to build my â€˜palâ€™…
February 14, 2008

Cliff A
QOTD: WITHOUT A DOUBT – AGAINST THE OAK MONSTER.

THANKS GARY.
February 14, 2008

crazy olive
i like to use white oak in furniture/////don’t like the oak monster…..
February 14, 2008

Joel
walla walla doesn’t bring the thunder again? wow i’m saddened
February 14, 2008

ryan
down with oak
February 14, 2008

Tina Smith
qotd-oak monster?? Yuk-nothing gives me a migraine quicker than an over-oaked wine. Most of the Napa Chardonnays are undrinkable for me. One sip, instant headache. Grrrr, cage up the Oak Monster!!
February 14, 2008

benjaminrorymyers
Sideways Part II: A story about two disfunctional men finding happiness while on a road trip quest to battle the oak monster.
February 14, 2008

Cheri B
QOTD; The oak monster scares me. He is like the guy that is waiting around the corner, ready to jump out at you and YELL! I hate when I invite him to dinner, he is like a walking safety pin popping my joy bubble. Go home and take your bottle with you……..
February 14, 2008

benjaminrorymyers
Ever seen a winery without barrels? I’m afraid the oak monster is here to stay.
February 14, 2008

Carlitos
QOTD. Deffinitelly against the OM! That doesn’t mean wines have to be unoaked. Just that it NEEDS to be used carefully and tastefully.
February 14, 2008

bfrankphoto
Nay on the Oak Monster
February 14, 2008

mcount25
With wine, as in life, moderation is key. That being said, Cali is all about excess, whether it be about oak, sun or real estate prices. Not a bad thing every now in then… you know, moderation, even in excess
February 14, 2008

JayZee
Vivian rocks once again! Great show. I love when you rant.

QOTD: I certainly am no fan of the oak monster. However, a little bit of the baby oak monster now and again is acceptable, especially if the wine is very well integrated so that you can actually TASTE the fruit.
February 14, 2008

BruceP
Not a fan of the oak monster. I like my oak to be aged and used (there are some easy jokes that follow that statement, but I will refrain).
February 14, 2008

Achilles Mike
Oak has its place in small doses, but hey, let the grapes speak for them self!
February 14, 2008

CrazyManAndy
QOTD: I’m afraid I’ve never run into the oak monster, as I’m pretty new to wine. I’m sure our paths will cross one day…*sound of a shotgun cocking in the background* ;D

Jeremy, Gary has done a show on port (though more would be most welcome). Episode #326.

CMA
February 14, 2008

hb
I am soooooooo tired of over-priced, over-oaked Cali wines!

QOTD: NO, I do NOT like the Oak Monster!
February 14, 2008

Barry
Definitely a vote FOR the Oak Monster. Although I should clarify that I prefer the Oak Soldier – the indispensable guy in the trenches to support, not run the mission.
February 14, 2008

Kristi
urgh, I hate the oak monster. I grew up in California and it wasn’t until I was exposed to wines from other regions that I realized that I liked red wine. It’s just that wines I was initially exposed to where so over oaked that I couldn’t drink them.
February 14, 2008

Jeremy Ward
I’ve got to admit, I’m on the proverbial oaken fence. I’m an avid port lover and as such my pal craves the company of the O monster and his tannic sidekick like a teenage girl pines over a member of a boy band. With that being said, I agree with so many other vaniacs that the robustness oak, if left unchecked, can and will over-power the other wonderful aromas and flavors found in other types of wine. To truly cast my vote as yae or nay, I really need to have the question placed into context.

Gary, speaking of port, could you do a show on it. Wouldn’t even have to be vintage…a tasting of a few 10-20 year Tawneys would quench my thirst so to speak!

Keep up the great work and thanks for everything!
February 14, 2008

Panosh
QOTD: Some Oak is good, but not the “MONSTER”.
February 14, 2008

MarkR
I have to vote against the oak monster as well because if I want to taste oak I’ll just chew on a piece of oak. Now, I do like the subtle flavors added by oak like the vanilla, and chocolate components, but I just don’t think I was meant to be tasting the actual wood.
February 14, 2008

Aaron Gonzales
I think oak is important but as for the Oak Monster, perhaps he/she needs a cage with only 1 key.
Aaron
February 14, 2008

JeffC
QOTD: Oak has it place in the wine world, but needs to be on a leash. I agree with you, I dont much care for over oaked wines that taste like your sucking on wooden plank.