RET AILER WINESELECTIONS FIVE STARS
(97) Frazier Napa Valley Merlot 2007 (California). Full bodied and robust; a huge wine with lots of berry flavors; Bill Frazier helped make great merlot at Stag’s Leap and his own offerings are just stunning. ($40)
(95) Saddleback Napa Merlot 2005 (California). This is a spectacular merlot; big, bold and luscious; the tannins are fading so the balance is excellent; a real masterpiece. ($37)
(95) Little Stone Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot 2006 (California). A bouquet of wild flower leads to mouth-filling flavors of currant, plum and black cherry; 18 months in oak adds a touch of vanilla. ($16)
(94) Meerlust Stellenbosch Merlot 2005 (South Africa). Very rustic with hints of black tea, toast, and currants, followed onto the palate along with flavors of vanilla and blueberry; long and toasty
finish; well balanced with nice firm tannins that will help this wine age gracefully. ($30)
(94) Hagafen Estate Napa Merlot 2007 (California). Layers of red and dark fruits- plum, cherry and blackberries through the palate; a subtle spice charac- teristic blended through with the soft tannins; kosher as well. ($30)
(93) Angeline Sonoma Merlot 2009 (California). Soft tannins frame this great example of California merlot that does not need to be pricey; fresh and fruit forward, filled with blueberry, cherry and vanilla notes. ($14)
The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top merlots.
For this issue, we asked members of the Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel to recommend their favorite merlots. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine’s retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). If you’re a retail beverage professional who would like to learn about participating in our panel, call Richard Brandes at 212-353-3832, or email him at rbrandes@m2media360.com.
(93) Whitehall Lane Napa Merlot 2007 (California). Rich, bold, and concentrated with lay- ers of cherry, blackberry, cassis, chocolate and a hint of spice flavors; nice depth in the mid-palate
72 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • March/April 2011
(92) Decoy Napa Valley Merlot 2008 (California). This merlot offers that clas- sic Duckhorn structure but is designed to drink now; wonderful fruit with an ever so slight hint of cedar embedded in the rich berry. ($24)
which leads to a touch of oak on a long, lingering finish. ($29)
