Community Tasting Note
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passion4wine wrote: 88 points
March 1, 2018 - I had high expectations for this bottle of "The Climber", but when set those expectations so high, I came away with a "meh" and thinking that 88 might be a bit generous for this Napa pedigree cabernet blend. It was restrained on the nose, showing just subtle hints of spice, mocha, and dried herbs, and on the palate a tad dusty, tart and lacking all but a small swath of cassis, dark plum, and slightly green asparagus. Mild acidity, and the second day the wine improved slightly, but not memorable at all.
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5 Comments
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TMOVino2 commented:
4/18/18, 3:30 PM - Not a good note. This isn't a "Cabernet Blend" at all. It is 96% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec...Maybe decant a bit or hold a while longer.
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passion4wine commented:
5/7/18, 1:20 PM - @TMOVino2 thanks for the clarification, I guess I should've referred to it as a Bordeaux blend, as this would be more accurate. I'm not sure holding the wine longer will improve, but I'm always open to tasting again any wine – as they all deserve another chance! Though it should be noted I paid $38 for this wine and as such the QPR has a lot to say to me. Thanks for your comment! Have you tried this wine?
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TMOVino2 commented:
5/7/18, 3:13 PM - Yep! Also several others from Clif. They make great wines. Do you like a lot of other Merlots?
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passion4wine commented:
5/21/18, 7:18 PM - I'm a big Merlot fan and constantly searching for the ultimate expression. A 2013 Beringer Bancroft Ranch was fantastic after many hours of decanting and waiting. A few months ago enjoyed a 2011 Masseto from a Magnum that was phenomenal and the Ricolma, also from Tuscany is a huge fave as well. There's a BC (canada) producer, Le Vieux Pin (sp?) that makes a nice cool climate merlot, though it's rather expensive! What should I try?
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TMOVino2 commented:
5/25/18, 2:54 PM - Hi! I'm a big merlot fan also. Out of CA I really like Ehlers Merlot as well as Tamber Bey Merlot. The Venge I recently had was great, but needs cellaring. Clos Du Val has had some exceptional ones recently as well. I've had a few French Merlot's and all have been good, but not my expertise really.