theCompass
 Home   Map   Blog Roll   WineCompass   Wine 101   My Compass 

Frazier Family Estate Merlot

Frazier Family Estate Merlot Wine Details
Price: $40.00 per bottle

Description: The 2003 Frazier Family Estate Merlot is ruby red in color and offers the aromas of ripe cherries, cedar, and toasty oak. The flavors of strawberries, cherries, cloves, cinnamon, are nicely complemented with hints of smoky French oak. This Merlot is full bodied with a long, smooth finish is enjoyable now and will continue to develop in the bottle for 4 to 5 years. With winter months upon us, try this Merlot as an aperitif fireside with strong blue cheeses, or pair it with grilled beef and pasta dishes.

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 Frazier Winery information