#### (88) Red Diamond
Merlot 2010 (Washington State).
Spiced black cherry, berry and plum
flavors. ($11)
#### (88) Lindeman's Bin 40
Merlot 2011 (Australia). Juicy
plum with a smooth finish.
($10)
#### (88) Coastline Merlot
Paso Robles 2011 (California). A
pure Paso Robles style merlot; big
and intense dark fruit flavors of
blackberry, mulberry, and black mission figs; even with intensity, it has a
nice soft finish that fades slowly.
($11)
#### (88) Eye Candy Merlot
2009 (California). Oak notes and
a bit of menthol lead things off in
the nose, and then some mild
black cherry aromas emerge;
medium-bodied, soft and round, it
has a nice feel and the red fruit
flavors build in intensity across the
palate; good balance and structure.
($9)
#### (87) Chateau Haut
Libarde Cotes de Bourg 2009
(France). A nice bouquet, filled
with black currant and milk chocolate in a creamy fashion; medium
bodied, it is slightly soft but there is
generous tannin keeping it firm and
dry; a nice array of red and black
cherry flavors along with a touch of
plum. ($13)
#### (87) Oyster Bar Merlot
CI1307
42 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • July/August 2013
2010 (New Zealand). Plum and
blackberries dominate; fine-grain
tannins on the finish; brimming
with fresh fruit.
($15)
#### (87) Domaine De
Gournier Red Rhone Merlot
2010 France). True to the varietal
wine (made from 100% merlot);
soft, great extraction with smooth
tannins, a hint of plum, dark fruits
and a touch of minerality. Very
well balanced for the price.
($11)
#### (86) Santa Rita 120
Merlot 2010 (Chile). Impressive
fruit and structure; flavors of
blueberry, cassis and peppery oak.
($8)
