The Noble Grapes: Part 1

What are the noble grapes? According to the French, the noble grapes are the grapes of the highest quality. Originally, there were only 6 noble grapes. Today, however, there are so many different variations of wine grapes and hybrid grapes from various regions, that the number of noble grapes has increased to 10. (However, you will see arguments today on how many noble grapes there actually are).

Today, we will focus on wines from the three red noble grapes: Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines are all from California to give you an easier way to compare the three.

Carmel Road Pinot Noir (2009) $20: This wine comes from the Monterey region in Northern California, (http://www.carmelroad.com/wines/MPinot.html). It has a burgundy red color, and  smells of dark fruit with a touch of spice. It has soft tannins up front, but has a very creamy finish. It has tastes of blackberry, raspberry, and clove. For a Pinot Noir, this is a full bodied wine.


Paso Creek Merlot (2007) $17: This wines comes from the Central Coast of California, (http://www.pasocreek.com/about-paso-creek/). Again, this wine has a burgundy red color, and smells of fruit jam, toasted oak, and cigars, or sweet tobacco. It tastes of dark cherry, blackberry, and currant. This is a very smooth, dry wine. Not overly tannic and only slightly acidic, so very nicely balanced.

Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon (2008) $28: This is a Napa Valley wine that has a deep garnet color (http://www.franciscan.com/2008_Franciscan_Cabernet_Sauvignon). It has an oaky, earthy, fruity, and spicy bouquet to it. It tastes of cherry, blackberry, plum, and a hint of cocoa. This is a very full bodied, tannic wine.