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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/567665
www.cheersonline.com 46 • September 2015 MERLOT MAGIC WINE PANELISTS REVIEW THE POPULAR RED We asked members of our panel to taste and rate their favorite merlots. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which can vary from store to store and market to market). If you're a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you're interested in participating in the panel, please contact associate editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@epgmediallc.com or 203-855-8499 x225. rewarding development. This is a wonderful example of Graves Rouge. ($15) (95) Chateau Sainte Barbe 2011 (France) 70% Merlot and 15% each cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, aged 9-12 months in oak. Robust and earthy with bold aromas and fl avors of blackberry, currant and vanilla. On the fi nish, fi rm tannins show with a good dose of terroir. Pair this with roast beef, lamb or a thick steak. ($17) (95) Clos Pegase Mitsuko's Vineyard Merlot 2013 (California). A very dark ruby FIVE STARS (97) Pahlmeyer Merlot 2012 (California). A real powerhouse of a wine. Dense, nearly purple color in the glass, with dark fruit dominating the nose and palate. Hints of spice follow from the nose to the taste, with great fruit and density. An exceptional wine; a real keeper. ($70) (96) Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot 2012 (Washington). A partnership with Michel Rolland, this Washington State wine shows power with elegance. Nearly opaque in the glass, the nose is dominated by black fruit, with hints of spice and smoke. Quite weighty on the palate, the fi nish is long, and superbly balanced. ($60) (95) Chateau Chamaille 2011 (France). A classic old-style Bordeaux Rouge with 90% merlot, 8% cabernet sauvignon and 2% cabernet franc. Fragrances of lilac and berry mingle with a hint of "la garrigue." On the palate, fl avors of blueberry, plum and spice harmonize beautifully with sweet/ tart acidity. Tannins are supple; the fi nish is long with a subtle hint of terroir. Very nice now; the wine will benefi t from three to fi ve years of cellaring. ($18) (95) Chateau Dorleac 2012 (France). 97% merlot and 3% cabernet sauvignon. Lush fl oral aromas with hints of fl int and soil lead to ripe fl avors of blackberry and currant, all surrounded by the famous gravelly terroir of Graves. Though approachable now, the wine's fi rm tannins assure several years of RATING SYSTEM Five stars (92-100 points) A top-fl ight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. Four stars (86-91 points) A superb wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. Three stars (80-85 points) An above-average wine at a reasonable price point, one that many consumers will enjoy. PHOTO CREDIT: © ISTOCK.COM/ MAKSYMOWICZ