Essex County Wine Society

The Wine Press

February 4th, 2010 -- ECWS Tasting - Merlot

California Syrah Recap

 

It was great to see everyone and welcome the New Year on January 7th with a California syrah tasting led by Ken Brady. We had two flights with five wines each. Each flight contained four California syrahs and one “ringer.” Attendees were fairly successful at identifying the Northern Rhone wine in the first flight and the Australian wine in the second flight as the ringers. Stylistically, they were different enough to stand out.

Attendees voted the Ridge Lytton West 2005 as the wine of the night – it was also one of the least expensive wines, making for a great QPR (quality price ratio). The Denner Vineyards Syrah 2006 placed second, followed closely by the Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva 2005. The Reva seemed to be a deeply polarizing wine, with attendees either loving or hating it. It was an interesting tasting in that votes were widely dispersed across the wines. In the voting for the second flight favorite, the votes across the top 4 wines were distributed: 9,8,7,7. Clearly, this was a tasting with something for everyone.
 

Our next tasting will be February 4th, when Dana Bolton will lead us through a tasting of Merlot from around the world. Merlot has gotten a “bad rap” in recent years. The movie “Sideways” extolled the virtues of California Central Coast Pinot Noir – and sales of those wines went through the roof (at an ECWS tasting of these wines, members did not entirely agree with the movie’s assessment). The movie also made some negative comments about Merlot – and sales of wine made from that varietal promptly fell. But of course, Merlot is a noble grape from which great and ageworthy wines are made throughout the world – France, both coasts of the US, and Australia (and many other locations) – all make great Merlot-based wines.

The tasting will include:

2005 Leonetti Cellars Merlot

“Purple colored, it has a splendid bouquet of pain grille, spice box, cassis, and black currants. This is followed by a plush wine with layered flavors, superb balance, and terrific length.” Robert Parker, 94 points.

2000 Chateau Gazin

“There is something in the aromatics and flavors…that seems similar to Petrus (the vineyards are adjacent). Hints of caramel intermixed with black cherry, mineral, and licorice notes compete in this full-bodied, attractive, ripe but firmly structured wine.” Robert Parker, 90 points.

2004 Blankiet Estate Paradise Hills Merlot

“The 2004 Merlot Paradise Hills Vineyard (1,100 cases) includes a dollop of Cabernet Franc in the blend. It exhibits gorgeous notes of chocolate, espresso, plums, blackberries, and cherries. Full-bodied with terrific intensity and opulence, it makes a dramatic statement about how great Napa Merlot can be.” Robert Parker, 94 points.

2001 Haan Merlot Prestige

“One of the finest Australian Merlots I have ever tasted is Haan 2001 Merlot Prestige. Aged in 100% French wood (one-third new), with 10% Cabernet Franc added to the blend, this dense purple-colored Merlot is loaded. A serious nose of mocha, espresso roast, black cherry liqueur, plums, and figs soars from this full-bodied, ripe, layered, rich, chewy 2001. It is a sensational Merlot.”  Robert Parker, 93 points.

The cost for the tasting will be $67 for members and $81 for guests.  

Please send your replies as soon as possible, and in any case, no later than January 29th.

Our next event will be an Argentinean tasting on March 4, 2010, led by Jonathan Sibley.

De gustibus non disputandum est,

Gil Bauer

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