love the blind tastings…even if they don’t always work out.

best merlot would have to be from Seven Hills in Washington. I’m a big fan of both their Columbia Valley and Walla Walla merlots.

worst is a tough call. i also dislike that flying fish, but i really hate the red rock.

don’t apologize for the wine… the show is still interesting and definitely entertaining. i guess i am one of those thinking “see?.. merlot sucks.” maybe do a show of your fave merlots.

Creations? most passionate wine show?

I like blind tastings.

i love it when stuff dosnt work out… its authentic.

nah i had an awesome merlot blend the other day from the Hudson Valley … eat it.

qotd:cant really answer, cant say ive tasted more that 3 or 4 and who knows what they were.

If the Havens was in there it would have been the savior!!

Funny, when Sideways came out that when I started drinking Merlot because I believed deep down it’s a great grape and it is. When Merlot is done right it seduces.

qotd: Recently just bought a case of Bordeaux Merlot, Chateau Curton De La Perriere or something like that 100% Merlot fantastic.
A lot of the Meritage blends from the high end producers of the okanagan are Merlot, I enjoy Poplar Grove, Laughing Stock

A Bad merlot? cant think of one off the top of my head but probably some 5$ one

Best: hmmm…

Worst: Some plonk from Italy.

QOTD – Best – Corte Riva Merlot (when are you getting more?)
Rodney Strong for an everyday drinker
Worst – Don’t remember

The brown paper bag is the great equalizer.
QOTD: Best American Merlots – L’Ecole 41, Pride, Darioush
Worst American Merlots – Charles Shaw, Woodward Canyon

Have you done a garagista episode? blinded would be best.

I don’t watch you online… your episodes are available on an HD TiVo as one of the streaming videos you gave DL free – very cool technology.
DUDE! This episode was hallarious! Crash and burn, baby! No, no, no… I am just kidding… I love Merlots! Always have. You just gotta find the right ones… like anything.
BTW – are you on snooth.com??? or is someone just using your name on there?

I’ve always have enjoyed your blind tasting episodes and this is my first time leaving a comment. Was at winelibrary last week for the first time as well, great staff, Kristen helped me put some money back in the economy!
Cheers!
WF

QOTD: Never cared for 100% merlots, always a enjoyed the blend from st emilion.

Hey! Don’t show us the blinds during the video! It takes away half the fun!!

Tin Roof Merlot 2005 – my favorite

qotd: Chateau St. Jean reserve merlot is the best I’ve ever had. Also, Duckhorn, Darioush, and Pride are really good. Too many bad merlots to pick a worst.

I am surely biased, being born and raised in the Columbia Valley of WA and being a LOVER of WA wines–the terroir is in my blood, but I am so sad that the Woodward was corked. I think it would have taken the night. I usually prefer Cab Sauv or Cab Franc, but my fave Merlot is currently Five Star Cellars from Walla Walla. Five star is killing it on their Merlot and Syrah. LOVIN the thunder show, am usually a lurker but had to sound off on this show….keep it up Gary!

Gary,
I watch your show most nights, and my wife now knows your name as I am always asking what Gary Va-Ner-Chuck thinks of wines we have, or should try. I thoroughly enjoy your perspective, and any fan of Bob Egelhoff is all good by me.
I love your blind taste tests epidodes, especially California and domestics. I’m only a couple of years into my education, and I’m starting at home. Admittedly, I do venture off into Italian reds though on occasion.
To answer your question, without a doubt, Grgich Hills Merlot (I’ve only had the ’03) is the best I have had. Second would be a tie between the Etude effot (also ’03) and Northstar Walla Walla (’03). Apparenly, I have alot of ’03, I will have to look into that. Blackbird vinyards makes several excellent Merlot blends (Paramour is as good as I’ve had, and I don’t particularly like Cab Franc either.
Very long story short, keep up the good work. You have a fan for life.
Best,
Allan

Gary:

“This wine is serious on the backend…like J-Lo..” Hilarious!

Really, who chose the line-up? 3 from Columbia Valley, and from OK-at-best producers (not the Big ‘D’)? Nobody put a nose on the corked wine before the production? There are so many good Merlot efforts from the left coast. CAPARONE 2003, ANDREW WILL 2004, LAVA CAP 2004 RESERVE, MCMANIS 2007, SOUVERAIN 2005 – YADA YADA YADA

Best Merlot = Corte Riva, thanks Gary
Worst Merlot = Alice White or Yellow Tail

Love the blind tastings! Vargellas not Vargelles from the Port tasting FYI 🙂

Ever played soccer or stickball in the street, and a car was coming? DO OVER.

QOTD: Sterling 3 palms, because it’s the first case of merlot I ever bought.

QOTD: Just got back from Dry Creek and really enjoyed the merlot at Sbragia. And since I can only remember the last 14 days I will say it is my favorite

Wow. Have not seen you have quite a bad run in a while. It is always bound to happen when you least expect it. Did enjoy the information and comment.

I have enjoyed a modest Merlot, Tin Roof, 2005, Santa Rosa California for some time now.

Really have not had what I consider a bad Merlot, but I am still learning.

Oh and I loved the “Cutest girl in a town with a population of six.” Great line, just a great line.

my day-to-day merlot is Chateau Rauze Lafague. Not the best I’ve had, but its a good daily drinker.

QOTD:
Best: Paloma with Pride, Corte Riva, and Keenan a close 2,3 & 4.
Worst: Coppola Diamond Series Merlot

Like the truth of the blind episodes. Like a lot of US varietals, there is a lot of duds in the sub $30 categories unfortunately – you have to kiss a lot of frogs sometimes before you find the worthy ones.