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 13, 2008

Blueberto
The Oak Monster will not enter my house. The little bit of oak is ok though under the right circumstances.
February 13, 2008

dp
Does anyone know what kind of Glass is the “Big Ass Glass”?
February 13, 2008

JordanW
I’ve never been really offended by the Oak, but maybe I just write the wine off completely if they overdo it. Oh well, eventually the market will decide and I’ll know which wineries to avoid.
February 13, 2008

Nickyb85
Vote NO on Proposition 04-K:The presence of oak monster in wine act of 2008.
February 13, 2008

Kristen
Thanks for the episode today GV. It’s been a rollercoaster day, glad to have another new episode to see! How was I not surprised that Rolland’s wine was over oaked? I’m sure it was well micro-oxygenated as well.

And Vivian, excellent job on training your pal!

QOTD: MD, je suis d’accord, “on haÃ¯t Ã§a!” Yeah, I’d have to say, no to oak MONSTER, sometimes yes to well integrated and subtle oak. Vanilla and caramel are good. However, I find that Slovenian oak scares me more.
February 13, 2008

Harley Stan
QOTD- I am voting against the Oak Monster aaaarrrrrrhhhhhhh
February 13, 2008

Deano
Gary good episode I do have to say i lover Merlot.

QOTD:
-Not really a fan of the oak monster.
February 13, 2008

Michel Dugas
Well… We don’t (wife and me) don’t like Oak in french you would see, “on haÃ¯t caÂ¨”

But when it’s well balanced, it’s a plus

MD
February 13, 2008

Scott EJ
Good to see the ol’ friend Merlot back for a show. I went to a big dinner last weekend w/a fixed pairing and the lone merlot took the no. 1 spot of the 6 we were served.

QOTD: I’m undecided on the OM. Some days I’m a fan, some days I’m not. I can tell you that the one varietal that I like it least in is Chardonay. If it’s an over-oaked Chard. I get an instant headache and pretty much move on to something else right then. However, a nice integrated, ballanced Cab. Sauv. with a touch of oak is killer to my pal.

So, bottom line: wishy-washy/undecided.
February 13, 2008

Vette Tony
QOTD: Hate overd-oaked wine but love it when done right.
February 13, 2008

TROC
You and that Oak Monster. Why don’t you turn on the light and you’ll see its not a monster at all, scarety cat.
February 13, 2008

Dominus
I have found very few Merlots I like though I must say my first experience with wine included Merlot in a small restaurant some years ago in Venice. Unless one can get their hands on a Paloma, I’m guessing there’s not much out there without having a Bordeaux blend.

QOTD: I vote “no” to the Oak Monster and Obama. Oops, got real political.
February 13, 2008

JC
QOTD: Everything in moderation. Balance is the objective.
February 13, 2008

thefanjestic
Baby was cute just like last time. Fun episode – really quick, but fun.

Qotd: Oak Monster – NO. Baby Vanilla Oak Monster – Yes!
February 13, 2008

TJB
Not an over-oaked fan.
February 13, 2008

Dan. M.
Against papa oak monster, ambivalent on mamma oak monster, but OK with the baby oak monster.
February 13, 2008

Danny C
QOTD: I vote no Oak Monster!!!!!!!! NONE OF THAT GUY!!!

Gary,

Question. Is there a difference between the Oak Monster and when you feel like your drinking a liquified cedar closet? I had Leal Vineyards “The Carnival” Meritage and I thought I was drinking cedar juice! No good…Is there a difference?
February 13, 2008

Michelle R
QOTD: I agree with another person here that oak enjoyment should be put on a spectrum rather than just be a yes or no. Sometimes I love a little oak but I don’t like when wines get carried away with it!

I was just happy it wasn’t the big-ass glass that broke!
February 13, 2008

winelover4ever
Like everything….balance is the magic key…..in other words a little bit of the oak naturally adquired in the process is OK, but a lot of oak is definitaly bothering and hiding maybe a beautiful fruit in the final product that will have to live with that monster most likely mascaring what could’ve had the thunder……whether you like it or not.
February 13, 2008

Tom
Balance is key. I can enjoy it in chards prefer the butter but can enjoy some oak. Same with in the reds, oak can’t overwhelm my new world fruits!
February 13, 2008

JonE
Bordeaux strikes again.

QOTD: I’m Switzerland on the oak. It is inherantly the right of the winemaker(s) to do as they please. One can only really suppose what oak masquerades, without having tasted a base pre-oak aging. On the other side of the coin stainless steel and foudres are not the end all be all in wine. Too much speculation is placed on what could have been. I like good, with or without the monster.
February 13, 2008

Gee
Balance. It’s all about balance. No doubt oak can add interesting nuances to the nose, can add complexity. But it should NEVER dominate. Good fruit doesn’t demand more oak as many new world wine makers have tried to do in an effort to make their wines more BOLD. Bold without balance is bad. Balance that happens to be bold is fantastic.
February 13, 2008

Ben from South Australia
3 Wine but 6 corks on the table. Ha Ha
February 13, 2008

italianwinelover
Vivian is great! Can’t wait to see her next installment.

Have you changed recently?????

QOTD: A baby oak monster is fine, but no oak monster is the best!!! I have too many nightmare about the OAK MONSTER invading by wine stash! He terrifies me!
February 13, 2008

Cliff S
1 vote against the Oak Monster !