Tasting Room
MerlotWINE OF THE WEEK
Clos du Bois
2003 Sonoma County - Merlot ($18)
A ripe merlot, rich and showy. Aromas and flavors of violet, black plum, chocolate and mineral. Hint of lilac. Medium complexity.
2003 Sonoma County - Merlot ($25)
Ripe and showy. A full-bodied, rich merlot. Great structure. Notes of plum, cranberry, boysenberry and camphor.
2004 Red Truck, California - Merlot ($13)
A tasty merlot. Juicy, with notes of blackberry, boysenberry, red currant, chocolate and vanilla. Medium complexity.
2003 Three Palms Vineyard, Napa Valley - Merlot ($80)
Great complexity. Notes of black plum, blueberry, boysenberry, cherry, chocolate and spice. Nice weight.
2004 Reserve, Dry Creek Valley - Merlot ($20)
A tangy merlot. Aromas and flavors of sour cherry, dark plum, dill, pencil lead and black tea. Soft texture.
2004 California - Merlot ($12)
An appealing merlot. Aromas and flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, red currant and spice. Slightly herbal.
2002 Carneros - Merlot ($26)
Earthy, with flavors of black plum, tomato and tea leaf. A tobacco finish. Medium complexity. Medium-bodied.
2003 Cloverdale Ranch, Sonoma County - Merlot ($21)
A meaty, Rhone-like merlot. Rich and ripe. Notes of red currant and dill. Medium-bodied. Medium complexity.
2003 Toasted Head, California - Merlot ($17)
A light-bodied, uncomplicated merlot. Notes of black currant, sour cherry and herbs. Biting tannins on the finish.
2003 Sonoma County - Merlot ($17)
A medium-bodied merlot. Aromas and flavors of black plum, smoke, spice and vanilla. A bit too oaky. Light tannins.
TASTING PANEL: Stefan Soltysiak of Rodney Strong Vineyards; Renay Santero of Oliver's Markets; Ziggy Eschliman, radio's "Wine Gal;" Larry Van Aalst of Equus; and Press Democrat wine columnist Peg Melnik.
CRITERIA: The panel samples eight to 12 wines a week in a blind tasting. Wine of the Week is based on quality, value and availability and is not necessarily the top wine of the tasting. Price is suggested retail; actual price is often lower.You can reach Staff Writer Peg Melnik at 521-5310 or e-mail pmelnik@pressdemocrat.com