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After a big run in California plantings and some
very average wine, it appears the 1997 and 1998 Merlots are some of the
very best in years. Merlot is a success in Bordeaux where it is the
major grape of the famous Petrus. I’ve also witnessed success with
Argentinian wines from Weinert and some Washington State wines from
Columbia Crest and Chateau St. Michele.
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BLACKSTONE, 2003, California
This winery has definitely improved and
now produces a pleasant Merlot. |
21.95 |
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CHATEAU SOUVERAIN, 2001, Sonoma
Medium dry and earthy Merlot. Souverain
is always consistent. |
28.95 |
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COLUMBIA CREST, 2002, Grand Estate, Washington
State
A division of St. Michelle winery located
along the Columbia River some 200 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
It is a beautiful setting. Excellent wine value. |
27.95 |
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DUCKHORN, 2002, Napa
A powerful Merlot with 14.3% alcohol
content. 79% Merlot with 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet
Franc. Plenty of fruit with creamy oak and a slight chocolate
finish. |
2003 71.00
2002 36.00 |
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KENWOOD, 1999, Sonoma
Wild strawberry flavors. |
half 15.95 |
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LE ECOLE, 2002, Washington State, Walla Walla
A soft silky wine with black cherry and
currant fruit. |
45.95 |
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MARKHAM, 2001, Napa |
36.95 |
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NORTHSTAR, 2000, Washington, Columbia Valley
Elegant rich berry flavors with a long
finish. Wine Enthusiast rated “93”. |
55.00 |
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NORTHSTAR, 2001, "Sella Maris", Washington, Columbia Valley
A blend of 56% Merlot and 44% Cabernet
Sauvignon. This was a hit at our September 2005 Wine Luncheon. |
49.00 |
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PRIDE, 2002, Napa/Sonoma
Very limited availability. Recognized as
one of the best Merlots in California by Parker and WINE
SPECTATOR. |
69.95 |
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ST. FRANCIS, 2001, Sonoma
Black cherry and ripe plum flavors. A
good value. |
33.95 |
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STELZNER, 2002, Stag’s Leap District
This wine is a good value. |
37.95 |
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TOMAY, 2000, Sonoma
By the makers of Silver Oak Cabernet. Jay
visited this winery in October 2005. |
79.00 |
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WHITEHALL LANE, 2001, Napa
Exceptionally good. Rated in the top 20
by WINE ENTHUSIAST, December 2004. |
41.00 |
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WOODWARD CANYON, 2000, Washington State
This is a powerful Merlot that needs to
be decanted, but is worth the trouble. Jay visited this winery
in April 2005. |
49.95 |
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