NBC's Blind Tasting of California Merlot
Alexandria, VA
Tasted Saturday, October 20, 2012 by grayfont with 381 views
Introduction
11 of us gathered at NBC's house to enjoy a blind tasting of California Merlot. Most of the wines were 2010s in the $16-$24 range, with a few ringers at the low end and one at the high end to keep everyone honest/guessing. Participants were given the list of wines but not the order, and were asked to guess the order after tasting - quite a challenge given the many very similar wines being tasted. Best score was 4/8.
2010 Summerfield Merlot 81 Points
USA, California
tasted blind. inexpressive, inexpensive cherry nose. Jammy on the palate. Simple. Easily the worst of the tasting.
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2010 Oak Grove Merlot Reserve 87 Points
USA, California
tasted blind. slightly soapy nose, heavy tannins. some cherry notes. one dimensional but drinkable.
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2010 Abbeyville Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley 84 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
tasted blind. sharp cherry nose, thin body. sharp and acidic, especially on the finish. if you are particularly sensitive to sharp/thin wines, this could be off-putting.
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2010 Bentley Winery Merlot Reserve 88 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
tasted blind. This has vanilla on the nose and palate; obviously has seen oak, a little much for my taste but not completely over the top. Soft and round, pleasing.
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2010 Alterra Merlot 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
tasted blind. This is loaded with black cherry and licorice, very very nice. On reveal, this is the wine that punched most above its price point. Great value!
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2009 Dominican Oaks Merlot 85 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
tasted blind. thin and sharp, very high-pitched. Like a candy that should have a name like "Very Cherry." If you froze this you'd have quite a cherry popsicle.
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2010 Courtney Benham Merlot 88 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
tasted blind. plum and cherry on the nose and palate. medium body. smooth. a little shallow.
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2007 Cakebread Cellars Merlot 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
tasted blind. This is young, tight, and powerful (even 5 years from vintage date!). It's grippy and mouthcoating. black cherry and chocolate. Delicious but I think this needs years.
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