In his introductions to his various wines, Mr. Sartori kept emphasizing the concept of terroir, and underscored the fact his winery had no interest in producing Merlot. Consulting winemaker Franco Bernabei, hired in 2003, was another notch in the winery's success. The Satori family's venture into wine making dates back to 1898.

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?” the woman’s voice says, incredulous. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. absolutely loved this wine with its notes of Prince Edward cherry tobacco and truffle.

Julien 2003. He had originally bought a case to commemorate the birth of his 2nd son, and I thought it was very generous of him to show up with this wonderful Bordeaux blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. The world of wine has been good to me. Ray O., Thank you, Ray! Score: 98. Impressive.

The first grapes were hand-picked on the 27th of September (6 days later than 2009) and the harvest of Merlot grapes lasted until the first of October. During dinner, we tasted several vintages of Chateau Beycheville: the 2003, 1999, 1985, and 1978. On the palate, soft flavors of black licorice and vanilla.

Rita is a woman with a great deal of charm who is managing the enormous property for her father, a businessman from Lisbon who bought it 2003. … so when you think of Portugal, you probably think of Port, yes? And it’s true, Port has been the signature drink of the country for decades. About Lisbon. Meeting Producers. Alorna.

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. Visiting Pichon Longueville. AXA generously hosted the winners of the AXA Millesimes scholarship offered to students of the Master of Wine educational program a week in October 2010. The Cellar.

Melini Borghi d'Elsa Chianti DOCG 2009 85% Sangiovese Grosso with 15% Canaiolo, Malvasia, Trebbiano, Merlot, 3 months aging in stainless steel, more floral undertones mingling with forest floor, a bit of toasted nuts, ripe cherries and raspberries. Violet, ripe cherries, coffee, cocoa, mint with floral finish.

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?&# the woman’s voice says, incredulous. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. Monday: Tour of the Chateau Pichon Longueville Vineyards and Winery.

Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. After two months of laying around, drinking coffee, tea, water and gatorade and laying off the good stuff I am beginning to feel the need for a long day of wine shopping, but the fridge is full and I will just have to do my part in making room for more. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.

My second choice was a 375ml bottle of white Merlot that was given to me by winery owner Dave Mansfield when I visited his Three Brothers Winery in May. Our visit to the winery just happened to be the same day that the white Merlot was being bottled. The white Merlot has been released and can be purchased at the winery for $17.

Winemakers notes: A classic Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. 61% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. I don't often go with Shirley and Pam to the Saturday morning Central New York Regional Farmer's Market, but I made an exception today. King Ferry Winery was founded in 1984.

I've been holding out on the wine reviews until everything gets back to normal after my surgery. At present, my Cardiologist has OK'd 3-4 oz. of wine per day and, for me, that just don't cut it. do cheat a bit and I also skip some evenings. That is what happened with the first bottles I opened. little lighter bodied than what I'm used to in Zin.

Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. An international wine collection with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask from the Octavin Home Wine Bar ™. The Chardonnay was not impressive. Definitely a good party wine.

With May and New York Riesling month coming to close soon, it is safe to say that I tasted more Riesling this month than any one year in my life. The hard part was deciding which ones I would post on the blog. After this article I will post once more on a NY Riesling and may list all those I have had. Both were opened with a BBQ chicken dinner.

This past Monday evening was a first for me on-line. Because of my work schedule and Shirley's extra long 'honey-do' list I never have the chance to do a tweet up on Twitter or follow a wine party on Facebook. You can add comments or photos or just sit back, relax, read what others are having and just sip away on your own wine.

This past weeks edition of the Syracuse New Times, a weekly alternative newspaper published in Syracuse, New York, contained an interesting article on Finger Lakes Riesling. Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report. Sipping later was delightful.

Now looking forward to 4 day trip to New York City and some Long Island Merlots and some more Hudson Valley wines. To continue Riesling month here in New York, I wanted to find something other than my favorites from the Finger Lakes region. Doing so seemed almost impossible. Brotherhood also happens to be America's oldest winery.

Just finished watching the movie "Avatar" while sipping on my first Riesling of the summer. Finger Lakes Riesling of course. This month is Riesling month in New York and this will be the first of many I'll enjoy over the next 30 days. The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. This is now one of her favorites.

Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. few of the issues are for how long and where. Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world. Oh, I'm sorry, did I leave out Paso Robles, Lodi, Central Coast or Livermore Valley.

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. I'm starting to surprise myself with what I am finding with Zinfandel and also a bit disappointed that I wasted so many years with such a limited selection or narrow palate. Deep dark fruit aromas with some cherry. Hey, you're never too old to learn.

While Merlot’s fall from grace can be traced to one line in the movie Sideways , the fall of Syrah has been more difficult to track. The Carlei , Heathcote Shiraz, Green Vineyards 2003 from Victoria opened our tasting. Australian wine, with Shiraz as the signature grape, has experienced a decline in sales over the past couple of years.

This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010. The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine. did enjoy this with some Muenster and Dubliner cheese. It'll be fun!!!

The chateau was bought by a negociant who replaced the tanks with stainless steel and grubbed up the vineyard to plant a majority of cabernet sauvignon, with a smaller percentage of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The percentage here is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. Chateau Rauzan Segla. The estate has 52 hectares.

It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare. The first was disappointing.

Wish I had a nice Canadian wine tonight so I could toast the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team on their winning of the Gold medal. am not an avid hockey fan, but I do watch occasionally and tonight enjoyed one of the best ever games. Instead, I uncorked an Arboleda Carmenère 2006 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. Bring on the steaks!!! Wine Acidity: 5.31

The second course of fish was paired with Azua Bobal Roble 2007 (sweet floral nose, fruit and spice on the palate that does not weigh one down) and Quantum 2008 blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Michael Apstein. Have you heard of Manchuela? It is a very small, rather new D.O.

Think my taste buds are back. I've been having a few problems with red wines since finishing some prescribed meds a few weeks ago. No matter what was tried I was getting a very musty taste. opened a few old reliables thinking there must have been some bad bottles in the rack, but they turned out to be the same. Bogle Winery 2007. Great value!!

Also tasted (blind): 2003 Ridge Vineyards California Mountain Merlot and 2005 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley Both very similar in style to the 2005 Monte Bello. The Ridge Merlot was surprisingly pure, with developed dark fruit notes, soft but still present tannins, and notes of dried flowers, perhaps even violets, on the nose.

One of the great things about social networking is that you often get in contact with friends and classmates from a time when all was great, life was fun and we were all going to live forever. was reminded of just that this past week as I chatted with an old friend and High School classmate from the mid-60's. Here's what I learned.

An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Winemakers notes: This dynamic duo combines the brawn of Cabernet Sauvignon and the suppleness of Merlot. So much so, at half time of game, I got on-line and ordered more Atwater Cab-Merlot and Syrah. Alcohol: 13.0%

Big break in weather today here in Central New York. Temperatures will reach about 30F. Must be the annual January thaw! To celebrate I figured to open one of my usually reserved for warm weather whites. My choice is one that was recently purchased at Lakewood Vineyards on Seneca Lake at the December 'Deck the Halls" event. 2007 Riesling.

Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% failure rate) was to leave my wine comfort zone more often as I continue to expand my trapped palate. To do so, I will have to taste, I mean drink, more wines that I never tried or wines I just never liked. So, to start off the new year I opened one of my least favorite wines, Zinfandel.

Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. From that day on I was a fan. enjoyed the Syrah with Shirley's three bean chili.

This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. If I do, I will have to include the German grape, Dornfelder as one of the highlights. Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. It is the 3rd most planted red wine grape in Germany.

The wine is 85% Cab/Sauv, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah which gives it a nice fruity and peppery finish. A4C has released three wines from Central Coast California: a Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Such was the case with one of the two wines received from Martellotto Wines. Now Cabs I have no problem with.

Can't seem to find a Finger Lakes Riesling I don't like. Thanks to my son, this past weekend I opened a dry Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars located in Lodi, NY, on the east side of Seneca Lake and my first stop on the annual " Deck the Halls " event on Dec. have to say his timing was impeccable. g/L pH: 2.93 Alcohol by Volume: 12.1

Tonight I added another favorite place to eat in Syracuse, Joey's Italian Restaurant. Shirley and I have been dining here for the last 10 years and it seems that the food just keeps getting better and better. Best of all is the fabulous and always changing wine list. The only downside is the lack of New York wines on the list and no NY reds.

Sometime near the end of the year, I would like to post all that I have learned and the wines that I have come to enjoy over the past two years. From a European reds only wine drinker who could not tolerate most white wines or any wines over 0% RS, to be even drinking the many wines I am now, I think I have come a long way.

I think it gets a little scary when you choose a not so good wine for three consecutive nights. When the fourth night comes and you just get home from work and you are looking for a nice wine just to sip, watch a little TV and catch up on a little blog work, you check every bottle in the wine fridge and just can't decide for fear of failing again.

Every Friday and Saturday after work, a few friends and I visit our favorite lounge for some great food off the bar menu and to down a few glasses(maybe more than a few) of wine. Of course, the lounge is owned by my son and his fiance and has become our regular hang out since opening one year ago. Finally, he has listened to his dad. At that price.

The gift pack included a bottle of Merlot and a bottle of Pinot Grigio, of which we opened at a dinner dance held during my annual military reunion. blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. About two years ago I found a special deal on a gift pack of two wines from Candoni Wines. Both wines were well liked by all of us at our table.

Alright, here's my dilemma or at least one of them. Tonight Shirley and daughter Pam are making 'halupkies' for dinner. Halupkies are also known as stuffed cabbage or as we called them in our house as kids growing up in the Pennsylvania coal region, 'blind pigeons.' The dilemma, I have no clue as to what wine to open. That only added to the dilemma.

blend of nearly equal parts cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and sangiovese, the wine is typically deep ruby, with stone notes and mixed red berry compote. We also retasted a bottle of 2003 Lupicaia the estate's premiere wine, which hails from the finest microclimate of the massive estate: a vineyard of 12.5

There comes a time when you believe that a certain wine just can't get any better. hope I never get to that point in my lifetime. don't hide the fact that in the past two years I have fallen in love with wines from the Finger Lakes region of New York. have my favorite Finger Lakes wineries and my favorite Finger Lakes wines. Such is the case today!

While in Virginia on vacation, I picked up four bottles of Virginia wines, figuring I would try all four and choose one to review. Tonight I opened up the second bottle and had maybe the best white wine find of this summer, a 2006 Michael Shaps Viognier from the King Family Vineyards. The wines are produced with a traditional old-world style.

I 'm currently making room in my wine cooler for a recent large quantity buy, so I pulled out a Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005 Riserva for a pizza dinner tonight. had this wine about four years ago and wasn't fully impressed at that time, but thought I'd give it another chance and the price was right. Turned out to be a good move.

One of the problems with bringing home lots of wine from a Finger Lakes wine tour is deciding which ones to try first. Shirley helps make that decision easier by planning some meals ahead of time or by just giving me a warning of what's on the menu for the night. Sometimes though, it can be challenging choosing the right wine for the meal.

Especially noted were the 2003 Pinot Noir reserve, the 2005 Cabernet Franc reserve and the 2005 Merlot reserve. Can't think of a better way to start a 2 week vacation then to spend it at some fantastic wineries in the Finger Lakes. don't know where to rank the day's events. have to say it was the folks we met. mean Damn! mean O sh*t.

OK, today I sinned again, at least according to some. took my list of New York medal winners to another local wine shop. Unfortunately, I found only one, besides another Anthony Road Vinyards 2008 semi-dry Riesling which I already have in the cooler. Oh yeah, for those who don't know, that wine was judged the most outstanding New York wine for 2009.

Well it's time to try a new wine, at least new to me. Before now I have never tasted Gewurztraminer. Please, no comments on that issue. It took me over 30 years to appreciate any white wine, and now that I do, I am trying them all. The first was OK and will be nice at a evening get-together, but not one I would bring to the party. Great Buy!

With ample experience in making and aging great wines dating back to 1964, Santiago Ijalba García left his position as general and technical manager in a historic Haro bodega to launch his own personal project. In 1998 under his newly-incorporated company Santiago Ijalba S.A. he created the VIÑA HERMOSA brand. The first night I opened the Crianza.

The Lindeman's Merlot 2007 was recommended by a friend this past week-end. Palate: A medium bodied palate is defined by abundantly ripe plum fruit, a touch of earth and trademark Merlot spice. The wine is smooth and supple, very much in the keeping with the modern style of Merlot. Tags: red wine merlot Australia

blend of Touriga Nacional, Merlot and Tinta Roriz (tempranillo) Winemaker's Notes: "The reserve is a very deep black ruby in colour. One of the most difficult time's I have on a short vacation is waiting for the train to take me home. This past week-end was one of those days and that great deal was in a wine shop. Great Buy!

Bonterra adds a little Merlot and Syrah to expand it's flavor and texture. I have a daughter that is living at home right now while she fixes up a house she bought a few months ago. She is very much into eating healthy and buys only organic veggies and fruits and free range meats, eggs and cheeses. Great Buy!

The wine is a bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but more of a medium body and a bit fruity. I have no idea what occurred between the early 1980's and present in the case of New York Finger Lakes red wines. After that, I basically stayed with my favorite European red wines.

2001 Cullen Wines Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Margaret River. 2003 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon, Hunter. 2003 Craigow Riesling, Tasmania. 1995 Cullen Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Margaret River. 1998 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. Day One. Day Two. 2006 S.C.

It is followed by 18-20 months maturing in new French oak barriques (upon further research it may also contain a bit of Merlot).

3rd: 2003 Vigorelli - Toscana IGT (Tenuta San Felice) This one is a fine Supertuscan blended with 45% Sangiovese, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, 20 months in French oak, 10 months in bottle, garnet colors, aromas of red currant and earth, thick in texture with yummy silky tannins and hints of vanilla.

From the Tuscan region of Montalcino comes this mouthwatering blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese grapes.?? From Arezzo, Italy this blend is a balancing act of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, and 5% Petit Verdot and aged in French barriques for 12 months. ??Nuances Castiglion Del Bosco Dainero 2004 IGT??

Castiglion Del Bosco Campo Del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 2003 Campo Del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 2003 is a DOCG, single vineyard effort from Salvatore Ferragamo's Castiglion Del Bosco. Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2003 Castiglion del Bosco produces this Brunello di Montalcino which is aged in oak for 2 years.

Composed of 69% cabernet sauvignon , 18% merlot , 10% petit verdot , and 3% cabernet franc, the wine is dark and brooding, with complex notes of cedar and blackberry on the nose. At thirteen, the 1995 Monte Bello is still a child. have tasted this twice before, and my thoughts on the wine have been consistent. It won't. As Robert Parker Jr.

Of particular interest was the 2003 Yarden Syrah - a big California style Syrah with dark fruit, this concentrated wine with big soft tannins will coat your palate and leave you with a nice long finish.  Much more versatile in terms of foods it will pair well with than the more popular Cabs & Merlots. looks a little freaky huh.

Last year the 2003 propriety wine was like plush chocolaty velvet. Kapcsandy State Lane Vineyard "Estate Cuvee" 2005 This is the estate blend - that is, the third wine from this property after the "State Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon" which serves as the flagship wine and the "Roberta's Reserve," a merlot based blend. Very fine.

A 2003 Artadi Pagos Viejos Rioja and the 2001 Grant Burge "Meshach" Shiraz.  While the king, a Cab based wine (with 10% Merlot) was thoroughly enjoyed and drunk to the last drop.  I went away (within Israel) for the sabbath to a friend of the family.  Traditionally, this often includes cake , crackers , and fish."  Emillion Grand Cru. 

No Merlots (OK, maybe 1) and no Cab's (OK, maybe 1 or 2).  The 2003 is drinking great, the 2004 is delicious and the just released 2005 is gorgeous.  Those are: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot & Malbec. The Dalton Alma , a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, is a nice wine that is priced right. 

Then there was that California style Bordeaux, narrowing the margin between the wines, moving a wine I sort of like (Bordeaux) too close to a wine I really didnt warm to, (Napa Cab/Merlot). the 2001 was before they had any toasty new oak barrels, which they bought in 2003 thanks to the insistence of their California importer, North Berkeley.

90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and Syrah make up this single vineyard Chianti Classico from Tuscany, Italy. Very dark ruby in color with a medium body, it gives off aromas of cherries, herbs, cloves, black pepper, and funky soil. So far so good. but this is where the fun stops. It's just as well. I'm not crazy about this wine.

There was also a Merlot, Cab, and then 4 zinfandels. Their 2004 cabernet which is actually a Bordeaux blend of 76% Cabernet, 18% merlot, 4% Petit Verdot & 2% cab franc. The 2003 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet reserve was also a favorite with its unusual nose and nice body. Sangiovese is often a lighter red with greater acidity.

We had some Merlot & Cab from both a regular series and a reserve one. enjoyed the 2003 Havens Syrah but mentioned to Connie that I thought the nose was a little closed. tried a 2004 red blend called "Blend 24" by B Cellars that was 75% cab, 15% merlot & 10 % syrah that had nice forest pine & forest berries to it.

The 2003 Chateau Lamourette Sauternes made from 90% semillon, 6% Muscadelle & 4% Sauvignon Blanc was quite pleasant. One such wine was the 2003 Chateau Clarke Listrac-medoc. blend of 70% Merlot & 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a deep rich ruby color with aroma's of black fruit, chocolate and coffee.

could write about the fabulous Israeli Cab or the not so fabulous French Bordeaux, the overrated California red, or awful Israel Merlot (it was BAD) but who cares?!?!! Merlot, Cab, Syrah - been there done that. lighter wine than a Cab, merlot or Syrah, Barbera is said to be the most (or second most) planter varietal in Italy.

I'm on my way home and I can't think of a reason not to get those two bottles of 2003 Seavey out of the cellar - they are just. Philippe Melka is Seavey's blue chip flying rainmaker - I wonder if he's necessary.These are all "full throttle" expressions of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. calling to me.

Also in the $13-$14 range from Galil Mountain and worth checking out is their Merlot &/or Shiraz. have found 2003 -2005 in stores ranging in price from about $ 13.50 It can be found for both the 2003 & 2004 vintages. The 2003 & the latest release, the 2004 are both drinking beautifully right now. category.

The 2003 "1er Etage" Cab Franc was blended with 2% Petit Verdot and had very subtle green notes but was was nice as well. And their 2004 "Right Bank" Red, a blend of Cab Franc (53%), Merlot (30%), Petit Verdot (9%) & Cab Sauv (8%) was beautiful. She had a nice Sauvignon Blanc and very pleasant Merlot as well. Great stuff.

The only other reds that I really liked at the whole tasting were the 2004 Poliziano Nobile de Montepulciano Asinone and the 2003 Terre degli Svevi Aglianico del Vulture Serpara. 2003 Monfalletto Barolo Enrico VI - like eating dry dust. 2003 Elio Grasso Barolo Ginestra V. Also, the place was a total zoo. unrelenting. 2000 Cav.

2003 Courois Racine VdP de Sologne (Loire) - barnyard poop all the way, and expensive. No merlot in this one, maybe some tannat. Here are a few things that struck me during the tasting: If I had tasted blind, I would have guessed wrong on the grape varieties in many of these wines. Maybe it's just odd wine making. Maybe a bit of both.

One in particular was a blend - their "Col de Rey" IGT 2003. There was a 2004 Rossa and a 2003 "Edizione" Rossa that i took to be a reserve as it had the same unique blend as the regular Rosso but was given some new oak while the Rossa I think had mostly (if not all) used oak. enjoyed the conversations I had with them. BUT, do it SOON!

smooth loamy texture reminds me of a velvety Wahington State merlot. Notice the wine dripping down the side of this bottle? Yeah - it's that good. Deep nearly opaque purple with minor iridescence. Gorgeous mint and strawberry notes. Evergreen, mint, red currant and vanilla with mixed blueberry/strawberry finish. Awesome

The most horrifying wine showed to us was the 2003 Domaine de la Perruche Saumur-Champigny, which because of the plastered on toasty oak, I took to be a new world Argentinian malbec. Ive had plenty of other Loire cabs from 2003, that were ripe but still true to themselves. This was the 2003 Genoels-Elderen, a chardonnay.

In 2003 there was a problem. We selected 2 h in Pessac, cab and merlot. home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Live Blogging from Climate Change and Wine Conference | Main | Global Warming & Wine Conference: M. In case you dont know him, he is the former owner of Cos Estournel. he poses.

• Bruno Giacosa 2003 2003 Spumante Brut (Lombardia-Pinot Nero) This 100% Pinot Nero is a sparkling wine with almost clear golden color, a bouquet of sour apples, yeast and fruit. As a tasting room it really is a near perfect space, both functional and cozy. Next, we dove right in. the Supertucan movement that is. Amazing

The Dutch were the first to bring vitis vinifera (European vines such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) to the regions in the mid fifteenth century. By 2003 the wine regions of South Africa were on the export and trade map showing up sporadically on the American market. Let's talk South Africa. That sounds simple enough. Done.right.

We have chosen 2003 Pagos De Infante 100 % tempranillo from the Ribera de Duero located on the northern plateau along the Duero River. It is 90% sangiovese, which is the main grape in this area with the rest being made up of canaiolo and merlot. Merlot makes wonderful wines. This is one of the reasons why we chose this merlot.

Well ladies and gentlemen, the results are in. will be copying a list of wines & their scores from Israeli Wine Critic Daniel Rogov's "Wine & Food Forum".  I am waiting for my physical copy of the issue to arrive before I comment specifically.  More comments later.  Without further ado, the scores.

have this little theory about merlot versus pinot noir. would tell people that I happen to love merlot and talked about some of my favorites from Umbria, Sicily and Friuli as well as St. Emilion ( Check out Eric Asimov's article on the underdog beauty of 2003 St. Man have I been busy. It really is invigorating though. Who knows?

hope she'll let me slide with my blend of 48% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc, and then Cabernet Sauvignon and petit Verdot making up the balance. 2003 Mark Ryan Long Haul , $33 (Avalon Wines). I'm trying to be forgiving here because I understand how difficult 2003 - very hot. West coast wines are daunting to me, I must say.

good bottle of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, or Chardonnay from Long Island usually costs the same as a better bottle of wine from elsewhere. 2001 The Lenz Estate Selection Merlot , $22. 2003 Scarola Vineyards Chardonnay , $13. 2004 Shinn Estate Vineyards Estate Merlot , $25. 2002 Scarola Merlot , $?? already like them.

This area is well known mostly for its chardonnay which takes up forty percent of the area's acreage but also plants the Bordeaux grapes cabernet sauvignon and merlot as well as, of course, zinfandel. After the pinotage blend it was time for the 2003 Ventana syrah. always figured that the states would have to wait. Freaky stuff man.

Here are the results of the voting: First Place - 2003 Roxy Ann Winery Claret, Rogue Valley, Oregon $25 : two 1st place votes, 1 2nd place vote = 13 points. blend of 47% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 19% Cabernet Franc. blend of about 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. Reserved palate. Simple

Recent NY Times blind tastings include, for example, 2003 St Emilions : 25 wines, all 2003, all from the St Emilion appellation, all at $100 or less. Or slightly less scientific because of the inclusion of several vintages, Washington State Merlots: 25 Merlots, all Washington State.