Once, Twice, Three Times a Merlot

Merlot happens to be one of my favorite types of wine. It is complex but not heavy. It is straightforward, but not light. Red wine 101 basically has three major players. You have the Pinot Noir on the extreme left side, the Cabernet on the extreme right side, and then the Merlot hangs out in the middle. For those who ask me how to describe a Merlot I tell them this.... Not too little, not too big, but just right. I have three very different Merlot wines to share with you today.

Bohemian Highway (2008) - $10 : This wine comes from Sonoma Valley in California (http://www.bohemianhighway.com/). For the price, this wine is really good! It has a see through cherry red color. It has smells of leather and smoke. When you drink it, you will get tastes of tobacco, and cranberry. It is very woody and earthy, but also has a smooth texture. You can find it for $10 and under at most stores and wine shops. (http://www.winebuys.com/851-18856.html?utm_source=Vinquire&utm_medium=WineFeed&utm_content=2008+Bohemian+Highway+Merlot&utm_campaign=base&v_traceback=c0120_0410_f0120_1026).



Paso Creek (2007) - $17:  This wine originated in Paso Robles, California (http://www.pasocreek.com/home.php). This wine has a dark cherry red color, and has a very sweet bouquet. I would say that it smells like strawberries and cream. It has a very tart taste, but with a creamy underlay. Like the smell, it tastes of strawberries as well, but also has the tartness of blackberries. This wine would go great with richer foods. This wine can go for about $17, but I've seen it online for a lot less. (http://www.shoppersvineyard.com/store/pc/Paso-Creek-Merlot-Paso-Robles-101p8377.htm).





Esk Valley (2009) - Merlot Blend - $20: This wine comes all the way from New Zealand (http://www.eskvalley.co.nz/default.aspx). It has a dark plum color, and smells of vanilla and strawberry, with a hint of clove. It is a little stringent to the taste, but if you let it breathe for about thirty minutes, the stringent taste will soften. It has a black cherry taste to it, and is very complex. Since it is a blend, it has a unique smell and taste. This bottle was around $20 at a wine bar, but I've seen it on sale at several online wine stores. (http://www.getwineonline.com/vsku1659016_ESK-VALLEY-MERLOT%20MALBEC%20CABERNET-SAUVIGNON-RESERVE-750ML-2009?utm_source=Google%20Products&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=ESK%20VALLEY%20MERLOT/MALBEC/CABERNET%20SAUVIGNON%20RESERVE%202009).

As always, please feel free to contact me with questions and comments!