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Some people in the wine industry will tell you that the impact of the 2004 film Sideways is still apparent in consumers' newfound love of Pinot Noir and aversion to Merlot. We're not sure we buy that theory, but we have noticed that unless it's part of a blend, Merlot rarely appears at the dining table on our social circuit.
After tasting through six from around the world, all the Tipplers agreed that while it was still no favorite, they'd underestimated what one of them dubbed "a kinder, gentler Cab." At the low end of the price spectrum the wines were all fruit and not much fun, but served with hearty food they began to make a bit more sense. On the other end, the St. Émilion we tasted won everyone over from the tasting table to dinner afterwards. The wines are 100% Merlot unless it is noted otherwise.
For this week's meal, Scott served a chili made with New York State grass-fed beef seasoned with Herbes de Provence and a bit of Merlot. We had dark chocolate bars for dessert.
Bottle 1: Santa Rita 120 Merlot 2008, Valle Central, Chile ($7.99)
Rank Amateurs Said: purple-red color, mint, plum, and vanilla in the nose, low acidity, some sensation of sweetness, medium body, short finish
In a Word: Soft
Paired with Food: Simple flavors went well with the chili
Bottle 2: Powers Merlot 2007, Columbia Valley, WA ($13.99)
Rank Amateurs Said: purple-red color, blackberry, black cherry cola, and plum in the nose, low acidity, sensation of sweetness dominates, medium body, short finish
In a Word: Sweet
Paired with Food: Simple flavors went well with the chili
NOTE: 97% Merlot, 3% Syrah
Bottle 3: Chateau St Jean Merlot 2006, Sonoma, CA ($24.99)
Rank Amateurs Said: purple-red color, obvious oak, vanilla, marshmallow, black cherry, and blackberry in the nose, cola, low acidity, big-medium body, short finish
In a Word: Soft
Paired with Food: At 14.2% alcohol, this one had the most heft to go with the chili and it was well-matched with the chocolate bars as well
NOTE: Contains an unspecified blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc
Bottle 4: Wölffer Estate La Ferme Martin 2006, Long Island, NY ($7.99 for 375ml)
Rank Amateurs Said: purple-red color, vanilla, clove, cherries, blackberries, and spice in the nose, cigars, low acidity, medium body, finish
In a Word: Fruity
Paired with Food: Good foil for meaty chili, but tasted flabby with chocolate
NOTE: 86% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Bottle 5: Vistorta Merlot 2004, Fruili, Italy ($26.95)
Rank Amateurs Said: purple-red color, cherries, black pepper,vanilla, and black plums in the nose, medium acidity, medium body, noticed tannins on the finish
In a Word: Balanced
Paired with Food: Greater acidity made it better with chili than the others, but with dark chocolate the tannins came out
Bottle 6: Château Bellisle Mondotte St. Émilion Grand Cru 2005, Bordeaux, France ($29.95)
Rank Amateurs Said: purple-red color, vanilla, black cherries, red cherries, spice, and violets in the nose, licorice, dried herbs, soft tannins, low acidity, big-medium body, long finish
In a Word: Smooth
Paired with Food: Pulled out nuances in the chili -- herbs came out in both -- and fruit came out when paired with chocolate
NOTE: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
Links
Santa Rita
Powers Winery
Chateau St. Jean
Wölffer Estate
Vistorta
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