Castle Rock, Merlot, Napa Valley California, 2005, $11.49
But it here
It can be hard for Merlot drinkers to step outside their ‘comfort merlot’ because of the wide range of flavors and styles they come in. When I think of Merlot, this one in particular hits the mark. Its nose is filled with jammy blackberry, ripe plumb, black cherries, smooth oak and caramel. Though its on the lighter side of being heavy bodied, its certainly not lacking in flavor, and it has a fantastic velvety mouth feel. Plenty of cherry and blackberry carries over to the palate, initially accompanied by cracked black pepper. As it opens up dark cocoa emerges leading into a super smokey finish. Its a picture perfect Merlot, big on fruit, but balanced out with all that toasty caramelized oak. It would lend itself very well to char-grilled ribs, with a side of green beans and corn bread.
Tags: california, merlot, red, under $20