Charles Smith Merlot Columbia Valley The Velvet Devil 2008 | $##
Light and easygoing, with pretty red berry and chamomile …
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Wine Type and Color
Red Still
Primary Grape
Merlot
Merlot is one of the most important Bordeaux varieties along with Cabernet Sauvignon. It's fleshier and ripens earlier than Cabernet, resulting in softer wines with plush tannins and fruit. Bordeaux is the grape's native home, where it's the dominant grape in Right Bank appellations like Pomerol and St.-Emilion and plays a supportive role on the Left Bank. It has also gained an international presence, with a notable boom in California in the mid-1990s, both as a single-variety wine and as part of a blend. While France and California are the most important growers of Merlot, versions from Italy, Australia, Washington, New York and more are worth seeking out.
Review Appeared in This Issue
November 30, 2010
Region
Washington / Columbia Valley
Charles Smith Merlot Columbia Valley The Velvet Devil 2008 | $ 00
Light and easygoing, with pretty red berry and chamomile …
Wine Type and Color
Red Still
To see the full review and rating become a member of WineSpectator.com
Subscribe TodayPrimary Grape
Merlot
Merlot is one of the most important Bordeaux varieties along with Cabernet Sauvignon. It's fleshier and ripens earlier than Cabernet, resulting in softer wines with plush tannins and fruit. Bordeaux is the grape's native home, where it's the dominant grape in Right Bank appellations like Pomerol and St.-Emilion and plays a supportive role on the Left Bank. It has also gained an international presence, with a notable boom in California in the mid-1990s, both as a single-variety wine and as part of a blend. While France and California are the most important growers of Merlot, versions from Italy, Australia, Washington, New York and more are worth seeking out.
