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Merlot, Oakville Ranch Vineyard

Merlot, Oakville Ranch Vineyard Wine Details
Price: $28.00 per bottle

Description: Not to be outdone by its Bordeaux-based brother, our Oakville Merlot is a tour de force. Merlot, meaning "young blackbird" in French, alludes to the grape's stunning dark-blue color and as seen here, results in a wine that is striking to the eye and plush on the palate. With mild herbaceous notes and earthy undertones, our Merlot is old-world in style, but by no means meek. Fruit-driven and full-bodied with a massive finish. The 2000 Merlot leaves an indelible mark that is undeniably Oakville. Focused and unafraid.

Varietal Definition
Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.


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