Community Tasting Note

msuwine wrote:

Friday, April 13, 2018 - This ripe Merlot has lost steam in the 15 months since I tasted it last (1/17 - 94 points), with a taste profile that has become more savory and juicy. It's still a solid Merlot, especially around the $50-60 price point, but it's one that should be consumed in the short term.

Cherry red in color and full in body, this wine now carries aromas more of plum and leather, as opposed to the blueberry and graphite from earlier in its life cycle. The tannins are much softer now, but so too are the flavors: plum and ripe blueberry lead the way, with secondary notes of graphite, green olives, and cedar, followed by a finish that lacks much, if any acidity. Blend of 87% Merlot and 13% Malbec. 15.2% alcohol.

Back in 2017, I thought this had 2-3 years ahead of it, but this now seems incorrect. Perhaps tonight it was the bottle, but this wine just seems tired - the fruit is there, and the structure is just hanging on by a thread to support it. I tasted it on the same night as two 2014 Merlots (from Pahlmeyer and Realm), both of which blew the Plumpjack out of the water in terms of complexity and energy. Drink in next six months or so.

Post a Comment / View msuwine's profile
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue (3,271 views)