WINE
PICKS : MERLOT
By Thom Elkjer
wine editor
TIP: Merlot provides a nice alternative to wine
lovers
looking for a more approachable, fruitier and softer red wine.
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63°F / 17°C
Ideal serving temperature
for MERLOT. |
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CHATEAU ST. JEAN MERLOT
Sonoma County 2001 ($25): goes for
complexity and gets it, with cola, cherry, blueberry, blackberry and red
clay flavors layered into a mouth-pleasing texture; spreads across your
palate, then refocuses at the finish.
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DELICATO MERLOT
California 2003 ($8): Plump aromas and flavors of black
and red plums, with red cherry notes and an earthy under-layer; nice balance,
fine tannins and a bright, refreshing finish all make this wine taste like
it costs a lot more. |
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PALOMA MERLOT
Spring Mountain 2002 ($51): mountain-grown Merlot is
a different animal and here’s proof: plush black cherry and blueberry
flavors stand up to big oak and high alcohol, so decant well before
savoring the warm finish and raw silk texture.
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STERLING MERLOT
Central Coast Vintners Collection 2002 ($13): this
wine shows the bright, juicy side of Merlot, with a touch of coffee in
the aromas, plenty of red cherry and plum flavors, good acidity in the
mid-palate and sweet length.
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