Charles Smith

The Velvet Devil Washington State Merlot

8.61504 ratings
8.544 pro ratings
Washington, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Matthew Gray

Meh. Not a bad price. After a bit of time, I get the velvet... However, the mid palate is flat. You devil!

Meh. Not a bad price. After a bit of time, I get the velvet... However, the mid palate is flat. You devil!

11 people found it helpfulMay 6th, 2014
Heidi Harrison

For $10 on sale, you can't beat the blackberry, cocoa powder, earth, roses, eucalyptus, thyme, licorice, funk of this midweek quaffer. It's delicious #merlot

For $10 on sale, you can't beat the blackberry, cocoa powder, earth, roses, eucalyptus, thyme, licorice, funk of this midweek quaffer. It's delicious #merlot

6 people found it helpfulSep 29th, 2016
Brian Ager

This Washington Merlot is much different (and better in my opinion) than your typical budget California Merlot. Red plum, currant with cedar and a hint of pencil lead. It is a bit thin and hot on the finish, but overall still an interesting and tasty Merlot! ($9) [10/5/2016]

This Washington Merlot is much different (and better in my opinion) than your typical budget California Merlot. Red plum, currant with cedar and a hint of pencil lead. It is a bit thin and hot on the finish, but overall still an interesting and tasty Merlot! ($9) [10/5/2016]

3 people found it helpfulJul 7th, 2016
JC Moore

Paired at home with meal of bacon wrapped filet, new potatoes boiled in chicken broth and steamed broccoli. The 2016 likes red meat. Not fabulous, but very enjoyable. Value for price.

Paired at home with meal of bacon wrapped filet, new potatoes boiled in chicken broth and steamed broccoli. The 2016 likes red meat. Not fabulous, but very enjoyable. Value for price.

2 people found it helpfulOct 6th, 2019
Vasanth Balakrishnan

On a fairly limited (No Old World selections) local restaurant wine menu, this is my go-to choice. Fruit-forward #merlot but not too jammy, decent acidity and namesake velvety tannins. Don’t expect many layers or complexity.

On a fairly limited (No Old World selections) local restaurant wine menu, this is my go-to choice. Fruit-forward #merlot but not too jammy, decent acidity and namesake velvety tannins. Don’t expect many layers or complexity.

2 people found it helpfulOct 4th, 2019
Jennifer Redmond

Delish! A little spicy, no oak, nice finish. Really nice especially for the price.

Delish! A little spicy, no oak, nice finish. Really nice especially for the price.

2 people found it helpfulJul 30th, 2019
Kate Shaw

Decent merlot. No wow factor and kind of one note. But okay for under or around $10.

Decent merlot. No wow factor and kind of one note. But okay for under or around $10.

2 people found it helpfulFeb 2nd, 2014
Adam Tong

Less than impressed with this one. "Merlot flavored water"

Less than impressed with this one. "Merlot flavored water"

2 people found it helpfulSep 21st, 2013
Vasanth Balakrishnan

Solid widely-available Charles Smith #merlot. Some dried plum, cigar box on the nose, fruit forward yet well balanced with acidity and some surprising pepper/spice notes. It paired very well with mixed beef tenderloin and chicken kebabs. Nice by-the-glass offering at a restaurant.

Solid widely-available Charles Smith #merlot. Some dried plum, cigar box on the nose, fruit forward yet well balanced with acidity and some surprising pepper/spice notes. It paired very well with mixed beef tenderloin and chicken kebabs. Nice by-the-glass offering at a restaurant.

1 person found it helpfulJun 22nd, 2019
Peter van den Besselaar

Vintage 2013 / Good ripened, very harmonious with veal / At restaurant ONE Roermond

Vintage 2013 / Good ripened, very harmonious with veal / At restaurant ONE Roermond

1 person found it helpfulMay 4th, 2019