2025 Is Starting Out Smooth with Merlot

Tonight we are exploring Merlot wines.

Merlot normally has a nose of red plum and cherry in cooler climates to blackberry and baked fruits in warmer climates, with notes of vanilla and spice from oak aging. As it ages, you will get notes of chocolate, meatiness, and tobacco.

Merlot is smooth compared to its half-sibling Cabernet Sauvignon. The warmer the region it is grown, the smoother the tannins, higher the alcohol and body, and the darker the fruit flavors.

Tonight, we are enjoying two Merlots:

1. 2020 Monterra, Merlot. Purchased at Trader Joe's for $6.99. This wine comes from Monterey, CA. Cellar Tracker says “Not too shabby for a $7 wine”. Many reviews said aromas of cocoa and floral. Tastes of cherry cola, plum, chocolate. Soft tannins and fruit forward.
2. Alki 2018 Merlot. This wine was purchased at Costco for $14.99. The wine comes from the Columbia Valley, WA. 90 rating from the Wine Enthusiast. Aromas of Caramel, vanilla, spice, and brooding black cherry. Luscious but well-balanced fruit and oak flavors follow and unfold in equal measure from start to finish.

Next week we will have a totally blind tasting. Dennis will pick out a wine for Denise and she will pick out a wine for Dennis. We will go through the tasting process.