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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/776571
www.cheersonline.com 37 January/February 2017 • (90) Perimeter Merlot 2013 (Washington). Sweet red fruits on the nose with a palate of raspberry, cherry cola and a hint of vanilla. Lush and round, there is some spice and a lovely strawberry vanilla fi nish. ($14) (90) Racine Merlot IGP 2015 (France). A very nicely balanced merlot, with good, crunchy fruit fl avors of blackberries and cassis with an underlying freshness that provides lift. The wine makes an excellent choice for appetizers or a poultry or pork course. ($14) (89) Chateau St . Michele Merlot, Indian Wells Vineyard 2014 (Washington). Berry and red fruit aroma, with fl avors of blackberry and cherry. Tannins are moderate and the fi nish is medium in length and pleasant. The wine has some syrah blended in. ($18.99) (89) J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot 2014 (California). Winemaker Steve Peck has produced another classic Paso Robles merlot. Rich, full bodied, with plummy dense fruit; 15% malbec adds complexity, while aging in American oak for 12 months completes the formula. Rich, black fruit fl avors complement the hints of bitter chocolate, and lead to a long, lingering fi nish. ($18.99) (89) Seven Falls Wahluke Slope Merlot 2012 (Washington). With a warm and generous personality, this wine of fers up ripe plum, dark chocolate and cloves. The flavors are complemented by a pleasant, velvet-like texture. ($15) (89) Rios 2014 (Chile). A surprisingly fresh take on merlot. Made in a leaner European style with lovely currant and mineral nuances. Perfect with your favorite cheese plate. ($16.95) (88) Duckhorn Decoy 2014 (California). Winemaker Don Labored sources from more than a dozen prime sites in Sonoma, including the famed Ridgeline vineyard. A rich, complex and silky smooth merlot with a touch of malbec and cabernet franc added to lend complexity to the wine. Aged 10 months in oak, this wine is a tremen- dous value. ($26.99) (87) Sebastiani Merlot Sonoma County (California). Red fruit aroma. Flavors are cassis and cherry, with a hint of chocolate. Tannins are of medium intensity with a medium-long fi nish ($15.99) (87) Toad Hollow Merlot 2014 (California). Berries, plum and spice on the nose. Currant, plum and cassis fl avors. Tannins are a little higher than most merlots. This is more of a cabernet-drinker's merlot. ($12.99) (86) Natura Organic Merlot 2014 Rapel Valley (Chile). The nose on this wine is ver y much bright fruits. The flavors on the palate then do a complete 180 and of fer darker fruits and a noticeable pepper y under tone. The finish is mellow and shor t. Overall, this merlot is a decent choice when you're looking to avoid wines with added sulfites. ($12) www.viage.com