Community Tasting Notes 7

• MoreWinePlease wrote: 90 points

  November 5, 2012 - Part of a 3-way, including a 2001 Shafer Merlot(92pts), 2002 Zerba Cellars Columbia Valley Merlot (91pts). and a 2001 Etude Merlot(90pts). Initially the Etude and Shafer took front stage with their rich dark fruit/tannin profiles that overshadowed the Zerba and its zestier acid balance, more in the red fruit/red plum direction. After 90 minutes the Etude put on a lot of weight and got richer, albeit heavier as well, whereas the Shafer continued with its bright berried fruit profile to the end. The Zerba turned out more food friendly (paired w/beautifully broiled NY cut steak and fabulous salad of baby greens, goat cheese, red bells and fresh herbs) and balanced too. My favorite was the Shafer, which I gave 92pts. As much as I love great Pinot Noir, especially the best from Oregon and California, I'm reminded how good a fine, well structured Merlot can taste. (320 views)

  Comment

• 4iron wrote: 91 points

  January 21, 2011 - Really liked it...showing some bottle age, yet still holding some punch. Classic Napa Merlot, New World wine, but not over the top fruit bomb.

  Comment

• buckeye76 wrote: 91 points

  January 16, 2011 - BLACK CHERRIES, GREEN PEPPER, AND A TOUCH OF EARTHNESS IN THE NOSE WITH BRIARY FRUIT IN THE FLAVOR, RASPBERRIES AND BLACKBERRIES. MEDIUM LENGTH FINISH.

  Comment

• 750ml wrote: 93 points

  August 26, 2009 - Dark red with some deeper violet hues in the glass. Licorice, blackberry, chocolate and some lead pencil on the nose. Perfectly balanced with soft well integrated tannins. Ripe, semi-dry full mouthfeel and concentrated yet not too sweet fruit mid palate, including some mild peppery spice. Medium length velvet smooth finish, not affected by the touch of heat present. Throws a bit of sediment at the end. The last and the best of my '01 Napa Merlots, paired beautifully with New Zealand lamb over brown rice and fresh string beans.

  Comment

• napaJ6 wrote: 94 points

  July 20, 2008 - One of the best Cali Merlot that you can buy. Sotor blends a little cab in his merlot to help with bottle age and it is outstanding. Heavy black cherry and licorice notes and a wonderful concentrated finish.

  Comment

Pro Reviews 1

Wine Definition

• Vintage 2001
• Type Red
• Producer Etude
• Varietal Merlot
• Designation n/a
• Vineyard n/a
• Country USA
• Region California
• SubRegion Napa Valley
• Appellation Napa Valley

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 0 (0%)
• In Cellars 71 (26%)
• Consumed 200 (74%)

Food Pairing

Who Likes This Wine

More About This Wine