*Locker Holders!*
As a locker member, this tasting will be free of charge if you RSVP to Adam@bvtexas.com before end of day Wednesday September 20th! Can't wait to see you all there!*
As the name would imply, we wanted to focus on a very polarizing topic: Merlot. Paul Giamatti had quite a few words to say on merlot, even though the last bottle he drinks in the movie IS a merlot, thats a question for another day. Today, I want to highlight the beauty of this grape, and what its capable of in the right hands.
I recently did a private tasting with these wines for my good friend, and I was blown away at how well these were drinking, and felt it would be an excellent tasting to share with all of you!
In the past, we have done tastings focusing on specific wineries or specific regions, and I think this is a great opportunity to show how this grape performs in a multitude of terroirs.
2014 Chateau Nenin, Pomerol | $76.99
92 Points | Robert Parker
The 2014 Nenin was a bit of a whipcracker when I tasted it from barrel, so I was intrigued to find whether it would replicate that performance now in bottle. The bouquet is very well defined with its 32% Cabernet Franc. It gives a wine with great structure and concentration as well as layers of ripe black fruits. The wine needs to age so drink from 2023.
2018 St Supery Merlot, Napa Valley | $78.99
94 Points | James Suckling
A burgundy shade of red commence this wine. Aromas of black plum and black cherry combine with graphite, milk chocolate, and black pepper with a subtle thread of vanilla from the toasted oak. This is a generous merlot with nice freshness on the palate show casing juicy blackberry and toasted oak. There is a cocoa powder texture with smooth tannins and a long finish.
2015 Scarbolo "Campo Del Viotto" Merlot, Friuli Venezia Giulia | $41.99
Merlot has a deep and powerful soul. The wisdom of old vines that know the virtue of Time enhances Merlot’s innate depth and intensity while the aging in barrels unveils the mysterious complexity of this noble wine.
2017 Keenan Reserve Mailbox Vineyard Spring Mountain Merlot, Spring Mountain | $83.99
90 Points | Robert Parker
For the fifteenth consecutive year the rechristened “Mailbox” vineyard has been chosen as the source for the Reserve Merlot bottling. Hints of violets and a signature earthy spiciness show in the nose, a chocolaty creaminess combines with the rich dark full fruit on the palette, the finish is beautifully layered, deep, elegant and very, very long.
2018 Hickinbotham "The Revivalist" Merlot, Mclaren Vale |
$76.99
93 Points | Robert Parker
The Revivalist has a powerful bouquet of black cherry, milk chocolate and a touch of bay laurel. Bold flavors of blackberries and barrel toast are enveloped in a lush mouthfeel. Hardly lacking in structure, the wine is incredibly balanced with beautiful acidity and pronounced yet delicate tannins. Concentrated but with a clear verve, The Revivalist leaves an indelible mark.
2019 La Jota Merlot, Howell Mountain | $115.00
95 Points | James Suckling
The 2019 vintage unequivocally contributes to the rich story of Merlot grown in the volcanic soils of Howell Mtn. Rich and dense, the wine sings with flavors of plum, raspberry and graphite. Beautiful at this youthful stage, this Merlot will surely age gracefully over the next decade or two.
