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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/776571
www.cheersonline.com 35 January/February 2017 • in rich French oak. A classic new-world merlot, rich, complex, bursting with lean, silky fruit. ($98.99) (96) Nearco, Col D'Orcia 2012 (Italy). A lovely example of Tuscan winemaking, outside of the Sangiovese box. Half merlot, with cabernet sauvignon, syrah and a touch of petit verdot. Youthful ruby color in the glass, with aromas and fl avors of red fruit, and hints of vanilla and spice. A long and elegant fi nish. ($42) (95) The Weekender Experience 2009 (California). A venture of Donny Sebastian and the Lamonica family, who own prime vineyards just outside of the Stag's Leap AVA. They produce fi ve stunning wines, displaying gorgeous varietal characteristics along with subtle terroir hints. The merlot is beautiful and elegant, with a lush fl oral bouquet that leads to fl avors of blueberry, black currant and a slight toasty nuance. The velvety texture fi nishes with supple tannins that balance the whole. Even die- hard cabernet sauvignon afi cionados will love this merlot! ($44.99) (95) Miner Stagecoach Vineyard Merlot 2013 (California). Dark ruby in the glass, the nose is dominated by powerful dark fruit, and some vanilla. The palate follows along the same line, with good weight and length. Truly lovely. ($40) (95) Chateau Barrail Chevrol 2014 (France). A classic example of the Bordeaux appellation; 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. Hints of blackberry, cherry and spice lead to a lengthy fi nish with fi rm tannins and rich earthy notes. Nice now, it will develop for fi ve years or more. Also, it's a great value! ($14.99) (95) Franciscan Reserve Merlot 2013 (California). Nearly all merlot, with a small amount of syrah, and a hint of cabernet. Quite deep in color, with lots of black cherry, some dried fruit and a nice splash of vanilla. The palate has plenty of weight, with the cherry shining through, accented by some vanilla and chocolate notes. A very long fi nish. ($45) (95) Chateau Fontbernard 2010 (Montagne Saint-Emilion). A truly classic Right Bank Rouge, with 80% merlot, 15% cabernet franc, 5% cabernet sauvignon. Soft, bright aromas and fl avors of cherry, red currant and plum meld with hints of spice, sweet tobacco and fi nish with supple tannins. There are some lovely earth and mineral notes surrounding the whole that defi ne the appellation. The 2010 is very approachable now, but will cellar nicely for three to fi ve years. ($18.99) (95) Maison Nicolas Merlot 2015 (France). Maison Nicolas has long been famous for importing excellent French wines that represent great quality and value. This merlot has lovely fl oral and black fruit aromas. It is soft and ripe on the palate with hints of blackberry, coffee and allspice. The fi nish is long with a perfect balance of fruit, acids and tannins. Although a modern style, there's a hint of terroir that says "Languedoc"! An unbeatable value! ($10.99) (94) Frog's Leap 2012 (California). An elegant, superb merlot. Full-bodied dark fruit with hints of plum and raspberry. Complex and balanced, with perfectly integrated tannins, make this one delicious wine. ($42.95) (94) B.R. Cohn Merlot Petricka Vineyard 2013 (California). A single-vineyard, single-variety merlot. No blending involved. Dark ruby in the glass, the nose is dominated by dark fruit, with plenty of black cherry and boysenberry. The palate is very similar, with fi ne tannins and an attractive fi nish. ($36) (94) Matthiason Red Hen Vineyard Merlot 2011 (California). A complex and fascinating wine that walks the line between new and old world. It has a cool, fi nessed character wherein red currant, bing cherries, graphite, espresso bean and cacao nibs are on display. Incredibly pure. For my taste, this is best Cali merlot I can recall. ($77.99) (94) Northstar Merlot 2012 (Washington). The epitome of great Washington merlot. Dark cherry and vanilla fl avors work so nice together. The perfect balance of oak makes the fi nish long and memorable. Big, bold and built to last. Lay this wine down to enjoy for years to come. ($35) (94) J. Lohr Cuvee Pom, 2013 (California). The ultimate expression of merlot from J. Lohr. This is the company's homage to the great Pomerol blends from Bordeaux. Winemaker Steve Peck starts with a classic blending of merlot and malbec, then subtly blends in trace amounts of cabernet and cabernet franc. Paso Robles sourcing offers a truly viable alternative to Napa for exceptional fruit. Aged 18 months in French oak. ($59.99) (93) Columbia Winery Merlot 2014 (Washington). A large percentage of merlot, complemented by 11% syrah and 2% petit verdot. Intense dark ruby in color, the nose is dominated by red fruit, with touches of plum and spice. The palate follows suit, with the hints of spice coming to the forefront. Clean and balanced fi nish. Quite a bargain! ($16) (92) Charles Krug 2012 (California). A "cab-lover's merlot." Great structure. Lots of mocha, currant and vanilla to hold up to a grilled steak. ($24) (92) Luisa Merlot 2014 (Italy). Pure merlot, with a minimum of oak exposure, from northeastern Italy. Quite dark in the glass, the black fruit components dominate, due to the fermentation and aging in steel. Lovely and supple, a great merlot for those who want to taste the grape, and not so much the barrel. A great wine at a great price. ($23) FOUR STARS (91) Alexander Valley Vineyards Homestead Red 2014 (California). Merlot is the foundation for this delightful