If you saw the movie Sideways (which I also recommend) you will remember that the main character hated Merlot and was willing to give up a date with a hot chick if she drank Merlot. The Wine Wtich certainly does not have such an extreme opinion. However, there is a lot of very dull Merlot out there, so it is a treat when you find a good one.
You may think I am on commission from Columbia Crest, but I am not. I have not had a bad wine from them. Grand Estates is their mid-tier label. My husband and I discovered this Merlot in 1989 and have drinking it ever since. Very consistent from year to year.
The color is on the purple end of the spectrum. The bouquet is the expected black cherry plus hints of cocoa and cedar. In the mouth it feels very round. The tannins are quite soft. Again, black cherry in the taste, but the flavor that really comes through for me is chocolate. Yummy.
If don’t believe me, Wine Spectator consistently rates this wine as a Best Value with scores in the 90 range. Pretty great for $10 bucks.
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