Category Archives: Merlot
Chateau Thieuley, Reserve Francis Courselle, Bordeaux Supérieur AC, Bordeaux, France, 2002, 13% abv, US$19
This Bordeaux Supérieur is a deep garnet with some bricking near the rim and aromas of blueberry and ripe plum with vanilla and baking spice. The palate is dry with well-integrated alcohol and the tannins are strained and become … Continue reading
Blackwood Lane, Meritage, The Reference, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2006, 14.2% abv, C$90
When I purchased this bottle back at the beginning of my journey into serious wine interests, I definitely expected more. Looking back, I think I was rather naive and most certainly I spent too much money. Ah well, live a … Continue reading
Pahlmeyer, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, 2011, 15.2% abv, US$85
If violet coloured velvet were a wine, it would be this one. Plush and sensuous, it’s made with 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and a smattering of Malbec. The grapes came from three separate vineyards. On the eyes it’s a … Continue reading
Saignée, Culmina, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2013, 14% abv.
It’s a beautiful, sunny, June afternoon and Canada’s women’s soccer team is getting ready to play in nearby BC Place stadium. What better time than to enjoy a rosé that has been sitting in the wine fridge, just waiting for … Continue reading
Les Sentius, Celler Joan Simó, Porrera, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2009, 15.5% abv, 11 Euros
This version of the Priorat comes from the Porrera celler of Joan Simó (the celler complete with wall-mounted sundial is left), but was given to me by a UK wine buyer who was at Hotel-Hostal Sport in Falset when we ate … Continue reading
Viatge al Priorat, Celler Joan Simó, Porrera, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 14.5% abv, 15 Euros
This youthful version of the Priorat comes from the Porrera celler of Joan Simó, but was given to me by a UK wine buyer who was at Hotel-Hostal Sport in Falset when we ate dinner there. As he was leaving, … Continue reading
Wayne Gretzky Estates, No 99, Cabernet Merlot, Niagara Peninsula VQA, Ontario, Canada, 2013, 12.5% abv, $15.95
I’d forgotten how cold Ottawa is in the winter time. Chilly. Icy. Brrrr. But alcohol is warming, so the first thing I did after I made it to my hotel was make a beeline for the closest wine store. Of course, … Continue reading
Canoe Ridge, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, 2010, 13.9% abv, US $20
I’m sure you’ve either had Canoe Ridge before or seen it on a shelf or restaurant menu. Canoe Ridge is one of Washington State’s largest wineries and is located in Horse Heaven Hills AVA, just north of the moderating influence of the … Continue reading
Espero, Tulip Winery, Galilee, Israel, 2012, 14.5% abv
It pays to have relatives living on the opposite side of the earth when your interests include tasting and writing about wines made in esoteric styles, or in off-the-beaten-track wine countries, or from unusual grapes. Here we have a sample from Israel’s Tulip Winery … Continue reading
Genium Cellers, Costers vi de Guarda, Poboleda, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2005, 14.5% abv
One thing I have learned about winemakers and winery owners is that showing even a little interest in their work usually yields immensely positive results for anyone wanting to learn more. Most are keen to share and you realize very quickly … Continue reading
winellama 