Tasting Room
MerlotWINE OF THE WEEK
Cellar No. 8
2004 California - Merlot ($10)
Rich and juicy, with a soft texture. Aromas and flavors of cherry, black cherry, rhubarb, sweet oak, herbs and spice. Integrated tannins. Medium complexity.
2005 Australia - Merlot ($8)
A good merlot. Aromas and flavors of stawberry, rhubarb and herbs. Slightly earthy. Light tannins. Uncomplicated.
2004 Sonoma County - Merlot ($25)
Rich, ripe and showy. Notes of cherry, currants, strawberry, raspberry, herbs and sweet oak. Integrated tannins.
2004 Sonoma County - Merlot ($18)
A showy merlot. Rich and toasty, with notes of cherry, black cherry, currants, camphor, mint, cola and sweet oak.
2002 Dry Creek Valley - Merlot ($25)
The panel concluded the wine was undermined by off aromas and flavors. Two bottles tasted.
2003 Reserve, Napa Valley - Merlot ($35)
Rich and showy. Aromas and flavors of cherry, black cherry, cassis, currants, licorice and cola. Pronounced oak.
2003 Alexander Valley - Merlot ($20)
A complex, full-bodied merlot. Aromas and flavors of cherry, black cherry, cola and walnut. Soft, rich texture. Toasty.
2004 Vin de Pays d' oc, France - Merlot ($14)
A rich merlot, with integrated tannins. Juicy, with aromas and flavors of cherry, rhubarb, herbs, sweet oak and spice.
2004 Sonoma Valley - Merlot ($24)
An elegant merlot. Juicy, with flavors of cherry, rhubarb, cranberry, strawberry and oak spice. Soft texture.
2003 Napa Valley - Merlot ($31)
An earthy merlot. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, cherry, bell pepper and spice. Medium-bodied. Light oak.
TASTING PANEL: Dennis Martin, VP director of winemaking, Fetzer Vineyards; Kristi Mohar, wine buyer, Pacific Markets; Larry Van Aalst, sommelier, 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