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. Following the Cab I had a Petit Sirah and finished with an old vine Zin PORT that I REALLY enjoyed. But it was ideology's 2005 Merlot that I preferred. MORE >>

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. MORE >>

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. MORE >>

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. The Domaine de L'Arlot 2003 "Clos des Forets St. MORE >>

One in particular was a blend - their "Col de Rey" IGT 2003. This blend of 20% Tannat (a grape originally from SW France), 30% Petit Verdot (a Bordeaux varietal) and 50% Lagrein was very nice. The 5 varietals used in this blend were Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), Merlot (30%), Lagrein (30%), Petit Verdot (5%) and Cab Franc (5%). MORE >>