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

7/10/2021 - ledocq Likes this wine:

Just fantastic over two nights. Why isn't there more CA merlot like this - those French folks seem to have it wired. This has a great spine and persistence, as the kids say, and developed well over two days. I need to pull a St Emilion or two for comparision just to see what makes this different. Ready to drink now, if you don't mind tannins, and a terrific, rare value.

7/17/2020 - Marquis du Vin wrote:

So i opened this last night to have with steak! Let's just say my meat had way more going on than this wine... I was very disappointed. Just was pretty dead on the pallet. Nothing at all going on save for a nice medium body silky texture; lacked any fruit what so ever. In defense, was a bit tannic, but I did decant for an hour+ which usually helps things a bit. Sad to say I have 5 more $70 BLAH bottles to put back into storage.
I remember the days ('97s, 2004-2009) when this wine used to give the mouth much delight! I also have 2014s - gosh I hope they are better than this! Seems as if either get the real deal here or pass. I recently had 1 of 6 2011 Dominus - amazing wine in a difficult vintage. At $140/bottle I'd much rather have them... Very sad... C'mon Christian you can do better than this!!! Let's hope I'M WRONG here.... Time will tell...

4/12/2020 - flwinos wrote:

This is a massive wine that needed at least three hours in the decanter to shed some tannins and open up. Hard to get past the tannins, but the wine did show a nice core of fruit that seems to be hiding a bit for now. I agree with others that this is a wine that should be held for a while, but if drinking anytime soon, decant for at least 3 hours, if not more before starting consumption, or drink over a few nights.

10/29/2017 - flwinos wrote:

Decanted for about 90 minutes and this was drinking great. Very expressive nose, with copious amounts of red fruit on the palate. A bit modern in style, but yummy nonetheless. Drinking well now, but can hold for another 5 before it starts to go downhill.

10/21/2017 - flwinos wrote:

Drinking well with 15 minutes of air in the glass.

8/22/2017 - travelme wrote:

PNP from a 375 on Monday with a few friends to share a quick glass of what I thought would be a wonderful and ready to drink wine. It was beautiful straight out of the bottle for the first ten minutes but then became a little astringent over the next hour. Not sure if it was the 375 talking but this was a slight disappointment overall. Consumed and gone. One of the few bottles I have had over the past year that I would not repurchase. My lone bottle of this producers cabernet that I have tried so I will try another from a 750 to give it a fairer assessment.

7/16/2017 - Mathijs81 Likes this wine:

To thank a good friend whom loves Pessac and is curious about its 2009 vintage ...

+ Preparation - slow O2 in decanter ( approx. 3 Hrs )
+ Colour - very dark, leaning to purple around the edges
+ Nose - when decanted, it took over the entire kitchen ... so intense.
In the glass, ripe but both red and dark fruits, mint, freshness, sophisticated woody
+ Flavour - very round, tannins well integrated, fleshy, meaty, dark, stunning
+ Finish - very long finish, it tantalizes your entire mouth

Amazing wine - Les Carmes Haut Brion + 2009 vintage = bingo = 93/100 !!!

Mathijs

4/8/2017 - flwinos wrote:

Corked bottle

3/17/2017 - Cristal2000 Likes this wine:

Opened another one -- mistake! Similar notes as my previous CT entry. Big oak, not terribly well integrated and big tannins. This seems to have all the right stuff, but it really will take years I think for it to come together. HOLD HOLD HOLD!

1/27/2017 - Robertpthomasjr@gmail.com Likes this wine:

Dark, heavy, and tight with fruit to start.

Opened after decanting. Was a bit disappointed on the finish as it faded on me with a whimper.

After another hour in the decanter the whimper went away and the finish became quite lovely.

5/11/2014 - flwinos wrote:

Just ok. Not very complex and not much fruit.

9/10/2012 - flwinos wrote:

Not a big fan. I liked it better when I had it at a tasting. Always looking for a good everyday priced CA cabernet. This was not it. "Flabby and grapey"
as Coleman puts it, is quite accurate in my opinion.