theCompass
 Home   Map   Blog Roll   WineCompass   Wine 101   My Compass 

Merlot, Temecula

Merlot, Temecula Wine Details
Price: $32.00 per bottle

Description: Soft and elegant, our 2004 Merlot was aged for 26 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. Blended with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot for balance and added structure, this wine offers layers of blackberry, boysenberry and black cherry with hints of cedar and spice and a smooth, lingering finish. Enjoy for up to ten years.

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.


Reviews




Back to Leoness Cellars information