12/22/2022 - Hi.its.Don.4.Wine Likes this wine:

Much Maligned Merlot

It’s no secret that ever since the movie “Sideways,” two grape varietals would become the center point; one for success the other for abstract failure. Pinot Noir wines would be catapulted into one of the fastest-growing segments, while Merlot would be cast out and revered by many, if not most, of the wine-drinking public.

The wine today attempts, and in my opinion succeeds, in showing just what folks out there are missing. Let’s take a look at the

PlumpJack Merlot Napa Valley 2019

I am no stranger to Merlot’s gyrations over the years. Long before “Sideways,” both Merlot and Chardonnay had been instrumental in the growth of California wines. Likewise, they both went through a growth spurt that either forced wineries to expand their production or tempted them with the cash flow from the hordes of folks clamoring for those wines.

Vines were planted in vineyards less suited for the grapes. In order to overcome some of the difficulties of poor planting, overproduction, and the like, other means were implemented to “fix” the wines; over oaking a major contributor.

Once a grape, or maybe even a specific wine, becomes tainted (I’m not talking about TCA here), it’s difficult to ever regain its previous glory. That’s right glory, even talking about Merlot.

In recent years I have professed that we once again consider Merlot to grace our tables and even our cellars as a wine of distinction. Basing that on what the wine brings to the table (literally). Usually medium-bodied, with flavors of red dark fruit that are intertwined with softer tannins and a hint of spice. What’s not to like?

The issue of overplanting and attempting to “fix” a wine now seems to be relegated to the production of wines destined for massive case manufacture. There is a resurgence in “making Merlot great again.” (Okay, I stole that tagline).

This is one of those wines!

PlumpJack Merlot originates in the Oak Knoll region of Napa Valley, right on the outskirts of the Mayacamas Mountain Range on the west side of the valley. Once harvested, the wine is aged for 18 months in 70% new oak barrels, and the balance in once-filled, they use a balance of 90% French Oak and 10% American oak.

This develops the wine in depth and complexity, bringing out flavors of vibrant black and red fruit with subtle nuances of dried herbs. The wine shows elegance as it has a slightly creamy texture and balanced tannins to create a softer palate. The long finish just helps to continue the overall experience.

This is the style of Merlot that will bring wine drinkers back into the fold. Let’s say goodbye to those Much Maligned Merlots.

Cheers

6/7/2023 - waywardsailor wrote:

I had tried this wine at the Nantucket Food and Wine Festival and loved it. I would have rated it a 94 then. The nose had a lot of earth, smoke, some hints of dark fruit. And the palate was well balanced. So I ordered a case of it and it's somehow not the same. There was still some earth and complexity to the nose, but the finish was quite anemic. I'll try another bottle at another time, perhaps, letting it breathe for a while before trying it again.

1/27/2023 - Mdog wrote:

Significant bottle variation
first case purchased was great
This one- opened 2 bottles that were not damaged but not drinkable its like all the fruit went in one barrel and all the stems and leaves in another. There was no obvious fault just a terrible wine

2/7/2021 - Johndove6 Likes this wine:

94. Complexed but primary fruit essentially gone. Med acidity and med tannins—although very fine grained and integrated. This won’t age anymore it’s peaked. Terrible value for the money

10/20/2018 - wayfarer Likes this wine:

Decanted 30 minutes. Served with boar ragu. Pretty much what Wayward said. Lovely red fruit, aged red fruit, darker shades, with earth and light wood/herb spine, a bit of acid/tannin edge that makes it perfect companion for the ragu, but leaves the fruit still singing. Very clean palate, moderate length, not as deep or intense as I recall the Barla, tasted 2 years ago.

1/4/2020 - Burgundy Al wrote:

Another Saturday at Chevalier...Mostly Blind 2010 (Chicago IL): Tasted double blind. Lush start with candied Cabernet character, but I found it fairly hollow in the middle. Good enough finish. Certainly enjoyable, but I was just partly surprised when this was unveiled because I have rarely found Opus One to be worth close to its price.

10/5/2019 - athurst Does not like this wine:

Brown garnet coloring. Slightly hazy. Earth, barnyard and petrol aroma. Rough tannins. Bitter, lingering aftertaste. Had it during a tasting with 6 other people. Everyone dumped it after one sip. I don’t think it deserves even the 50 minimum.