Is Merlot Monday a thing? Okay so this is only 80% Merlot (20% Cab Franc) but it is working for me. Smells like purple plums got inspired to write poetry about the cedar trees and violets blooming in their backyard (plums DO have backyards) so they naturally whipped out number two pencils, lit a pipe, and chilled out to write in situ. The plums, the pencils, the trees and flora, the birds and bees, you get all this in here. And soy sauce. I can’t explain it. Mayhaps I’ll go old-school and give it the ol’ WSET analysis:
Eye: medium ruby teasing at the beginnings of garnet at the rim. Thick slow tears.
Nose: medium plus intensity of Ted plums, cassis, cedar, violet, tobacco and dare I say...garrigue‽ in Merlot? Who knew.
Palate: dry, medium acidity, medium fine-grained tannins, medium plus alcohol (albeit nowadays we would have to call it high as it is 14.1 so just barely high), medium body medium plus flavors echoing the nose with the added savory soy note that is quite compelling. Finish is medium plus.
It may be too late for new year resolutions but mine is now to not neglect Merlot. Merlot Monday’s it is! — 4 days ago
Very good 2000 cru bourgeois. Aged v. Well. Compared to Leoville Poyferré just slightly less fruit but lot if body. Great buy if you can find it! — 12 days ago
Already drinking exceptionally well, this 2016 Cissac is a great rendition of Haut-Médoc from a textbook year. Medium bodied, with bright cherry, blackberry and some cigar box notes. Tannins are supple - the estate only uses some new oak, and there’s plenty of Merlot in this blend - but good acidity ensures satisfying length and capability to age. The ABV of 13% keeps things fresh too. Drank over three nights, best on the first. At around £60 ib, I’ll be buying a case of this. — 12 days ago
Superb example with rose petals and Turkish delight. Long and sweet. — a day ago
Vintage 1990 | Old gold and mahony colour. Charming smell that combines a honey impression, apricot, minerality, Turkish Delight. Só recognisable Chenin Blanc. This moelleux has an awesome balance between sweet and acidity that probably gives the wine an eternal life. I bow my head deep for Gaston Huet who made this wine and handed it to us at a visit that until today gives that day a golden edge. This is truly Great Wine. My 5000th entry in delectable. Tribute to Chenin Blanc. — 3 days ago
Toujours eu des hauts et des bas avec Villegeorges, cette bouteille était à point, bel équilibre, tannins bien fondu, finale un peu asséchante. — a month ago
2011 drinking in 2021 🍷 one of my favourite family run vineyards, where buying futures are definitely recommended. 2011 vintage wasn't perfect though 10 years of age has had a positive effect. Its perhaps abit past due, however solid notes of blackberry notes and earthy undertones compliment a cherry vanilla finish. Lots of smoky pepper goodness make this an interesting and enjoyable spring night home — 17 hours ago
A lovely biodynamic BDX that is maybe a bit simple for the price ($40 or so?) but does offer an elegant and food-friendly package without being weighed down by oak and tannin. Nice fresh dark fruits and florals with gentle menthol, tobacco, rich potting soil and cedar. It is light and ethereal in the mouth. Tannins are actually fully resolved for me at this point, and it’s not super acid-driven, so I’m not sure I see this progressing much for my palate. This would be a repeat buy for me at $20-25 but at this price I’m hoping for something a bit more special. Need to seek out more naturally-made BDX! Recommendations? — 24 days ago
Doug Powers
Absolutely lovely Bordeaux, dark and redfruits, still somewhat primary fruit flavors, soft tannins, drinks beautifully tonight but should hold for another 10 years or more!! — 7 days ago