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 15, 2008

Doug
I have found that when I first started on red wines I really enjoyed the oak monster, however as time has passed I find I am enjoying more subtle levels of oak. But I still do like to have the oak flavour in red wine. Don’t like it in whites.

Great show by the way.
February 15, 2008

patrick hill
thats one big cork !,i liked the longbord rr valley dakine vineyard ,about 15 bones
February 15, 2008

hermitaged
Gary I post about once a month. Does that make me a lurker or just lazy? Ok, so the “OM” is something we all love to hate, but I’ll go out on a limb and say when kept in its cage, the Monster can really do some great things for a wine. It’s when the Monster is left to run loose and out of control that scary things happen. That Becot is a great example; it’s got to see a fair share of new French oak, it’s just all kept under control. My beef with the OM is really that heavy oak tastes the same in every wine – I’m not necessarily opposed to ridiculous over-oaked reds/whites, but I’m sure not going to spend much for them – who can taste the difference?
February 15, 2008

Valerie
QOTD: I’m not sure if I have become knowledgeable enough to determine the oak monster…but I used to love new world australian and californian wines so I probably am voting for the oak monster…but I’m not sure…
February 15, 2008

Mr.Ambassador
Wow, it was disappointing to see your take on the Pedestal; I have a bottle which I was saving and was pretty hopeful based on the region and the great press. When I do sample it I’ll have to compare what my “pal” and yours have to say…

Overall not a fan of the “oak”, particularly in white wines. That being said I do like some of the complexity it can bring to reds if it doesn’t become THE major flavor component.
February 15, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Cute video at the end. Gary, you made the case for old world wines all too well.
No Oak Monster for me!!!!!!!!!
February 15, 2008

Christian
Against the Oak Monster overall, don’t mind it if it’s subtle
February 15, 2008

Donna Watson
I’m sorry, what was the question? I got all wrapped up in Vivienne. What a doll.
February 15, 2008

Tippy
When good fruit is involved, I am definitely a hater of the oak monster. With that being said, I think that a wine maker sometimes should amp up the oak to make the wine palatable when not blessed with high quality fruit.
February 15, 2008

Redmeat
I used to really like Chardonnay……but that was in France(Navy Days),,,,,but with Oak you go from Chablis….to California Wood Grape….

NO OAK!
February 15, 2008

RANDI
Im so against the Oak Monster I check under my bed every night before I turn off the lights!!!!!! I bet Vivian does the same!
February 15, 2008

Karl Laczko
That was your Vayniac glass wasn’t it? :~

QOTD – I think I’m against the oak monster, but I’m not sure I’ve had a really monstrous one yet.

Nice end video!
February 15, 2008

Dan Schmid
I’m with you, GV. I’m not a fan of the Oak Monster.
February 15, 2008

Saint
Oak adds another layer of complexity to a nice wine and is quite valuable in completing or further developing the aroma/bouquet and flavor profile. There obviously is a distinction to be made between additional complexity and a particle board sandwich, and some wines do go to far, but on balance, I enjoy some oak.
February 15, 2008

Svante Adermark
QOTD: I am against that wooden freak!
February 15, 2008

Salvatore
A Giant ” Down with the Oak Monster ! !!!!!

Gary ! Have you ever had an Oily Oak Monster ?????

We made home made wine and added french oak chips……… Yuk !

It was like new motor oil and oak…… Could not have been any worst!!
February 15, 2008

Swedish T
Im voting against the Oak monster but IÂ´m very aware of the great impact oak has on wine…ItÂ´s necessary for a lot and lots of wine. But the monster can stay home in the woods.

How about a episode on barrel aging. Take the same style of wine and taste three different style of cask aging. Like 225 l. french barrique vs. 325 l. american barrique vs. big as bottis or 300 l. hogshead or american vs french vs. slovenian oak…could be interesting.

Cheers

Swedish T
February 15, 2008

Isaac
I havent bought a wine that was oakie…so im not sure what your talking about..i will buy one this weekend to see whats up and if i like oak or not!
February 15, 2008

Ivan C.
Against the oak monster. Like some have said before, a little oak goes a long way; more is not always more.
February 15, 2008

dave from Osaka (thunderball)
Hmmm…the oak monster. I don’t really like it but I can appreciate it as a step to finding out what kinds of wines you like or don’t like. I think everyone needs to take that journey through the oak forest and find their way out the other side (leaving behind those who wish to stay and frolic about in the forest forever). As William Blake said:

You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough.

One question though, when does oak become cedar? The cedar box we get in wine (which I love) is that also from oak barrels? Is there any middle ground between cedar and oak?
February 15, 2008

Troytee
They would say learn how to type and spell. Sorry
February 15, 2008

Troytee
The Oak Monster and the Butter Bandit, a tough president and VP ticket. Over oaking sucks. What would the Smart wine drinks of Americsa say?
February 15, 2008

downtnmark
QOTD: The Oak monster should do a cameo appearance on Sesame Street.

I have found some wines to be quite enjoyable with a little “extra” oak in them. I also find that the oak tends to soften quickly with a little cellar patience. But I agree with Gary: if you have excellent fruit, don’t over oak it. That’s just bad taste.

Good thing you weren’t using a half-bottle with the big-ass-glass!
February 15, 2008

tuscanbob
I’m with Nancy Reagan when it comes to the Oak Monster: Just Say No !
February 15, 2008

AndrewB
QOTD: I am AGAINST the Oak Monster influence. I cant stand Cali Chards anymore and I support the NO MAKE-UP keepin it real wine makin movement. Peace!