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Ray’s Station Vineyards 2001 Sonoma County Merlot $15 One of the most interesting and well-integrated Merlots we’ve found under $20. 81% Merlot, blended
with 15% Cab Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc to give it substance and complexity. Aged in French oak, only 52% new, gives
it a beautifully balanced oak component. Aroma and taste of plums, with cherries and anise in intriguing harmony. Velvety
tannins give it a delicious dryness and grip on the finish. Good acidity makes the back palate tingle and salivate. A terrific
value food wine, priced to enjoy every day with steak and lamb.
Order
from Ray's Station Vineyards.
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Heller
Estate
2001 Estate Bottled Merlot
$29 A lush, rich, and nicely complex Merlot from 100% certified organic vineyards located in the Cachagua
region of Carmel Valley, near Monterey, CA. 93% Merlot blended with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackberry and cedar, with notes
of coffee, spices and well integrated vanilla oak. A dense and highly extracted wine, but not excessively jammy. Seductive,
complex tannins lend it a great structure. Evokes a sense of perfect harmony on the palate. When Miles said "We're not
drinking any effen Merlot," he apparently was not aware of this one.
Order
direct from Heller Estate.
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Shafer
Vineyards
2004 Napa Valley Merlot
$45 An elegant, supple, and deliciously complex Merlot
from one of Napa Valley's consistently outstanding wineries. Blackberries, cherries, strawberries, with notes of mocha and
vanilla, soft enticing tannins and good acid give it beautiful structure. It is rare to find a California Merlot of this caliber
and harmony. Robert Parker gave it an absurdly low 88 points, perhaps indicating that he is venturing into comedy, or that
his palate was not firing on all cylinders that day. Thankfully, people who take Parker seriously will overlook this magnificent
Merlot, which will leave more of it for the rest of us.
Visit
Shafer Vineyards
Order direct
from K&L Wine Merchants
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Robert
Keenan Winery
2005 Napa Valley Merlot
$34 Another exciting and extraordinary Merlot, with substance,
balance, character, and muscle. Accented with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Prominent notes of cocoa and coffee overlay the cherry
and blackberry fruit. Aged in 33% new French and American oak for a beautifully integrated oak accent that does not dominate
or compete with the fruit and earth. A rich and complex Merlot that is drinking wonderfully right now, and should benefit
from cellar aging for another five to seven years.
Order
direct from Keenan Winery ($34, with discounts for half case and full case orders, and for Wine Club members)
Order direct
from K&L Wine Merchants ($28)
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Okay, so in
some respects Miles was right. It is hard to find really spectacular Merlots in California. There are many decent, everyday
drinkable Merlots being made. But they are not all that fascinating, unlike the interesting and complex wines on this page. It
is particularly difficult to find great Merlots that are outstanding for the price. We are doing our best to locate more of
them, and as we do, they will be added to this page. EP
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