Napa Valley Merlot

Last of our seven year (9) vertical tonight....Scratch that the 2014 and the 2003 came out too.

Deep and dark ruby red. Lovely nose with baking spices, purple flowers and black berries. Heavy tannins (8/10) and full bodied. Rich palate with coconut, black fruits, and spices. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2033.

For me, wine of the tasting. @ Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

Delicious blackberry, currant, and black licorice notes with chocolate and cedar finish

As a wine, this one is a 93. As a Merlot, 85 at best. This is the most varietally incorrect Merlot I've ever had. All previous CT tastings perhaps with exception to 1 or 2 describe a red fruited cabernet. If served next to a Mascot Cab with about 5 or 7 years of age, I could trick everyone into thinking this was another year's offering. Dark red pour violet to the rim. Nose of sweet red cherry liqueur. Entry is full bodied, spicy, good acidity. Middle of this wine has a hint of cola, pepper finish. The only hint of Merlot is that this one did have a little bit of mushroom and some herbaceousness show after a couple of hours. But still would never have guessed Merlot here. Delightful wine nevertheless.

One of the better Merlots out there. boisterous black cherry flavors, supple tannins, and chocolatey finish.

Green nose. Sweet fruit.

Big bad Napa Valley Merlot, close to perfect

2014. Rather sweet, slightly thin, nothing offputting. Gift.

VRSN 2017 holiday party

Oh and btw you can have the “rock, paper, scissors “ sculpture for $2000.