It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday.
Reddish in color with medium plus intensity and a wide reddish rim.
Strong nose of red fruits with light cedar, earth, tobacco leaf, black pepper, herbs and black tea.
Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity.
Dry on the palate with cherries, plums, light oak, spices, chocolates, licorice, tobacco leaf, herbs and peppercorn.
Tangy finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.
This is a delicious Merlot from Napa Valley. Fruity and rich. Complex and entertaining.
Good right out of the bottle, and better after 90 minutes of airtime.
This Single Vineyard Merlot is elegant and nicely balanced. Will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years.
I had different vintages of this wine and it is very consistent.
Easy drinking and good by itself as a sipping wine.
100% Merlot grapes were aged in French oak barrels. A tiny production of only 300 bottles.
14.5% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$100. — 6 months ago
One of my new favorites. Smooth yet inexpensive. — 10 months ago
Quite fine and almost delicate for LBV. Dried floral notes, blueberry, tea. Nice drying finish. — 5 years ago
Cooked blackberries, with subtle cherry, and blueberry aroma. Bouquet of espresso/black tea and chocolate, with black pepper spice and subtle sage and oak. Dry, medium plus tannin. — 5 years ago
One of my favorite small production wine, 300 cases. Cal Nicholson spent his youth in So. CA & after a long marketing career he hung up his spurs to follow his 2 real interests in life – surfing & wine making. Jones is the maiden name of Cal’s wife Pam. A wonderful wine. Aromas of lemon citrus with herb, stone & tropical fruits. Palate, peach, Granny Smith apple & ripe melon flavors with lively citrus zest wrapped in lbalanced acidity. Lingering finish ending with mineral citrus finish. Consistent! Nice! — 7 years ago
Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.
Strong nose of blackberries, black plums, black cherries, light cedar, espresso, light vanilla, chocolates, light earth and tobacco.
Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with black currants, black plums, cooked cherries, light cedar, earth, herbs, licorice, chocolates, black pepper, spices, black tea and light espresso.
Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.
This 5 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak in Napa Valley is starting to drink beautifully. Rich and nicely balanced with a soft mouthfeel. Elegant and complex. Fruit forward and entertaining.
Will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years, and showing good potential to become a 94 point wine.
Needed 90 minutes of airtime to open up properly, so be patient.
A great sipping wine that will also pair nicely with a big piece of steak.
A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon with 3% Petit Verdot. Aged in (40% new) French and American Oak barrels for 15 months. A tiny production of only 900 bottles.
14.5% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$80. — 22 days ago
Cherry, raspberry preserves, blackberry, vanilla, oak and hints of stewed fruit. Full-bodied and moderate tannins. — 8 months ago
Note the bottle is the 2018 Pinot which was not found in the system here yet.
All their wines are the bomb diggity! — 6 years ago
Delicious and easy to drink. A LITER! Strawberries and great color! — 7 years ago
Delicious and full-bodied — 8 years ago
Excellent 2013 Grand Reserve Limited Production Cabernet with a cherry fruit forward flavor. Low tannins and was great with a filet mignon. — 6 months ago
Magistrate – Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019
Paso Robles AVA, Central Coast – USA 🇺🇸
Overview:
A limited production release of just 2,698 cases, this Cabernet Sauvignon captures the sun-drenched character of Paso Robles while offering an approachable, easy-drinking style. Crafted with a balance between fruit concentration and accessibility, it reflects the Central Coast’s charm.
Aromas & Flavors:
Bursts of ripe red fruits, blackberry preserves, and raspberry jelly intertwine with a subtle touch of spice and vanilla. A jammy core gives way to notes of plum compote and a hint of cocoa in the background.
Mouthfeel:
Medium-bodied with a juicy, fruit-forward palate. The tannins are soft and rounded, creating an inviting structure that leads to a smooth, lingering finish full of berry-like sweetness.
Food Pairings:
Perfect for casual settings—think BBQ ribs, grilled burgers, or pizza with pepperoni. It also plays well with cheddar or gouda cheeses for a laid-back pairing.
Verdict:
A fruit-driven, approachable Paso Robles Cabernet that shows off the region’s sun-kissed terroir. Casual and comforting, this bottle is all about enjoyment rather than contemplation. Cheers! — 8 months ago
17.5. 20 year tawny is very special, and this one is luscious without being heavy. — 6 years ago
Similar notes to the orin swift slander, much less expensive. — 7 years ago
One of the best Sauvignon Blanc’s I have had — 8 years ago

Sagee Aran
2024 vintage. Pale white in color. Balanced with nuances — 13 days ago