Merlot to go   Edited by Darryl Beeson Merlot took some blows from the movie "Sideways." As in the film, there are certain wine snobs that look down upon this juicy grape. Give these a try for a more accurate overview. Bella Sera Merlot, Venezie 2003 Price $9 Rating 86 The aromas of soft plum are followed by flavors of gentle plum and cherry, simple and enjoyable. Serve this soft, affordable red wine with pizza or barbecue, or better yet, simply with friends. Bridge Lane Merlot, North Fork 2002 Price $15.99 Rating 89 The nose is packed with soft, ripe plum. The sip is like velvet with plum, mocha and interesting mineral hints. The winery suggests pairing this velvety red with tapas or barbeque. Chateau St. Jean Merlot, Sonoma County 2002 Price $14 Rating 89 The nose is full of ripe plum. The sip is bright with balanced ripe plum, soft elements of oak, mint and mineral. Chumeia Vineyards "Simpson Vineyards" Merlot, California 2002 Price $13 Rating 88 Blackberry and plum lead the way in the nose. There are then flavors of plum, green pepper, soft oak and subtle mineral. Chumeia (pronounced koo-may-a) is based in Paso Robles. Clos du Val Merlot, Napa 2002 Price $25 Rating 94 The actual blend is 94% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. The sniff showcases powerful ripe fruit like plum and cassis. A lilt of leather is in there as well. There are lean and mature flavors of dark plum and black cherry. Columbia Winery Merlot, Columbia Valley 2003 Price $14.99 Rating 91 The exact blend is 80% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec and 5% Sangiovese. The nose is complex with ripe plum and eucalyptus. The sip is concentrated with plum, red cherry, berry along with hints of herb and cedar. Wine maker and Master of Wine David Lake is a genius. Dallas Conte Merlot, Rapel Valley 2001 Price $10 Rating 89 Aromas of blackberry and plum are followed by flavors of rich, spicy fruit with earthy complexity in the middle. The wine maker is David O’Leary, a talented Australian. Echelon Merlot, Central Coast 2002 Price $9.99 Rating 85 There are subtle aromas of spice and plum. The sip is bright and, again, subtle on the fruit and the spice. Flora Springs Merlot, Napa 2002 Price $24 Rating 89 Along with the Merlot, there is the addition of 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petite Verdot. The nose showcases ripe plum and spice. The sip contains rich, bright plum. The length on the palate is medium. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Merlot, California 2003 Price $18 Rating 91 The nose is packed with ripe, rich plum. There are big, toasty aromas of oak. Ponder the nose for a moment before sipping. Then the sip. There are flavors of bright plum and more toasty oak with vanilla. Franciscan "Oakville Estate" Merlot, Napa Valley 2002 Price $23 Rating 96 "Supple and ripe blackberry, black cherry and hints of toasted oak and vanilla fill the mouth with a full mid-palate and a long, round finish," says wine maker Larry Levin. Gallo Sonoma Merlot, Sonoma County 2002 Price $12 Rating 92 The nose is full of ripe plum and bright mint. The sip is rich with ripe plum, smoky bacon and black cherry. The length is long and complex. Jackson-Triggs Merlot, Okanagan 2002 Price $14.99 Rating 90 The nose is somber with blackberry and plum. The fruit flavors are dark, but spritzy like. There are minerals, elements of cocoa powder and a bright, crisp finish. Kenwood Merlot, Sonoma 2002 Price $12 Rating 89 The nose is rich with ripe plum and a hint of mint. The sip is rich with layers of soft, ripe fruit with a raisin/spice hint in the long finish. Laurier Merlot, Dry Creek Valley 2000 Price $20 Rating 95 Fruit character leads the way with this massive, yes, massive Merlot. The nose explodes with spicy, ripe fruit. The expansive sip is concentrated with more ripe fruit. Lieb Reserve Merlot, North Fork 2002 Price $25 Rating 91 There are powerful aromas of ripe plum, mocha and resounding mineral and mint. Flavors of raspberry, mocha, chocolate, red cherry and firm mineral in the long, complex length on the palate.   For more great wine suggestions, click here Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? Email: jwdineline@aol.com Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.