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SN: 84
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WS: 87
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WE: 87
| CityWineCellar.com | USD 14.99 $14.99 750ml |
| Millstone Wine & Liquors | USD 22.99 $22.99 750ml |
Rutherford Ranch Merlot 2008
Round Hill Vineyards & Cellars:
Rutherford Wine Company is family owned and managed with a portfolio of wines representing the rich diversity of California’s outstanding appellations. Uncompromising and ecologically far-sighted viticulture is an ethical imperative for us. Though more labor intensive than prevalent commercial winegrowing methods, our efforts are rewarded with fruit rich in flavor and character. And great fruit is a prerequisite for making great wine.
Editorial Reviews for Rutherford Ranch Merlot
A bit flat and nutty on the nose with herbal, dried grass base notes that add an attractive dimension to the earthy persimmon and red fruit aromas. This is really well balanced in a fresh style that highlights the supple tannins of Merlot. Excellent, juicy acidity keeps this fresh and lively in the mouth. There's a touch of under-ripeness here that shows up as a base of herbal, earthy flavors, but that just adds complexity to the core of blackberry fruit. There’s a nice touch of oak adding supporting spice notes and an overlay of vanilla. This leads to a moderately long, slightly peppery and savory finish that ends on a candied cranberry note. Pretty solid and an easy to drink offering. 89pts
A little alcoholic on the nose, though this does show nice raspberry, briar and fennel seed notes underlain with some spicy vanilla oak and a touch of tar. Big in the mouth but not terrible heavy, this is rather dark tasting with plenty of licorice and toffee notes wrapped around the core of raspberry and prune fruit. Shows a nice layering of wood spice. A big wine that’s a touch disjointed, needs food to tame it. 84pts
Member Reviews for Rutherford Ranch Merlot
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Delicious! Obviously a bit hot (15.5% alcohol), but very fruity as well. Despite the heat (and you can somewhat TASTE the alcohol, not just smell it), it's very smooth. Probably much better with food (like a nice steak), it's great on its own! Once you let it open up, it becomes an amazing wine, and a great deal!
Medium dark ruby color; baked black fruit, French oak, vanilla nose; baked black fruit, ripe berry palate with integrating oak; medium-plus finish. (80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec; 18 mos. in French oak; 14.4% alcohol) 91 points
External Reviews for Rutherford Ranch Merlot
Rich in texture, with ripe flavors of blackberry and currant mixing with sweet, spicy oak on the elegant finish.
A classic full-bodied California Cabernet with a rich ruby color and and flavors of sweet black cherry, plum, and blackberry, followed by a cascade of firm tannins.
Elevated in its tannic structure, and the way the oak plays with the ripe fruit. The flavors of blackberries, black currants and sweet smoky cedar lead to a rich, spicy finish. Very nice Napa Cabernet at this price.
Although Merlot has always been the primary focus of Rutherford Hill, Chardonnay has played a key role since the mid 70s. In keeping with the winerys style of complex wines that pair well with food, Rutherford Hill Chardonnay is crafted from grapes grown in the cooler climate found in the southern part of Napa Valley. This, in combination with mild oak aging, ensures the wine has balance and structure.
The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals soft berry fruit along with hints of mint and cedar. It is an elegant, medium-bodied, nicely constructed Cabernet meant for consumption over the next 1ndash;2 years.
There are 16,000 cases of this spectacular bargain in Chardonnay. This 2007 from, of all places, Napa Valley, is a beautifully fruited wine (orange blossoms, nectarines, poached pears, and a hint of pineapples) revealing little oak, medium body, zesty freshness, and gorgeously pure fruit. This dry, delicious 100% Chardonnay is best consumed over the next 1-2 years.
Succulent apple and nectarine flavors show off the unoaked portion of this chardonnay, while barrel-fermented lots add fresh almond notes and a creamy texture. The blend combines in a generous, bright white with finesse, a wine that performs far beyond its price. Serve this with any fresh catch. Best Buy.
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| Alcohol: 13.50% |
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