Best Merlot 2/2011

Quality and value

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Best Merlot 2/2011 Today, Merlot is seeing something of a restoration of its reputation. With less bad Merlot on the market, consumers can finally begin to understand not only the grape but the styles that California is capable of -- not to mention Washington, Chile, South Africa... you name it. This sampling of Merlot was quite narrow, with just a few from outside California, but offers up a little something for just about everybody. Merlot remains an easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing wine, though there are wines that test the limits: from rich and powerfully extracted to elegant and exceptionally refined. The only trick here is finding the one you like!

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Tags: Merlot, slideshow, varietal tasting, vertical tasting, Gregory Dal Piaz, Wine Reviews

Comments

shelley m

359085 1

I am confused on the years, your labels have one year on them and the description on the right have a different year.

Feb 10, 2011 at 3:40 AM
sowen246

760024 18

The 2007 Waterbrook Reserve Merlot belongs on this list and is an excellent value, as it con be found as low as $12. WS rated it 92

Feb 10, 2011 at 9:27 AM
Q Creek-
Freak

234430 19

OMG - the Apocalypse is here. I never thought I would see Barefoot wines on this site. I applaud the resurgence of Merlot for two reasons: (1) we might see more good Merlots, and (2) the Sideways 'sheep' might lay off on demand for Pinot Noir. Please don't bring Yellow Tail or Charles Shaw into our world....

Feb 10, 2011 at 7:46 PM
wolfarthe

1145575 41

Dittoo on the 2007 Waterbrook REserve Merlot..outstanding example of what's happening in Washington. Smooth, silky, refined yet packs a punch......

Oct 08, 2012 at 7:13 PM