Tonight's blog grog falls in the under $20 class, though we would happily pay more for the same experience. The Frei Brothers put up a Merlot in 2007 that satisfies on every level three years later as we discovered this evening upon pulling the cork. This 120-year-old winery in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley is noted for producing some of the finest Merlot grapes in the United States. Their reputation is deserved.Velvety smooth, with a plush mouth feel, we immediately noticed the distinctive aroma of dark berries in this Merlot, with notes of black cherry and a hint of vanilla on the front end. This is a nicely balanced wine, with the tannins adding some complexity to the tart taste of red fruit. It's no wonder Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast gave this value wine an 86 point raiting.
The Frei Brothers leave comparably priced wines sitting in the vineyard. Truth is, people who prefer the typically more nuanced flavors of Pinot Noir might be surprised by this ridiculously tasty Merlot as a fine alternative to their usual fare. Giving the wine a swirl in the glass really opens the aroma of this heady Merlot. It's delicious, has a lasting, toasty finish and is well worth the $18 price at the local grocer.
We sampled this '07 Merlot with two thick New York Strips, salted and peppered and slung across the grill until medium-rare on a cold Saturday night in late fall. Ghirardelli dark chocolates for dessert provided a delightfully sweet counterbalance to the wine, which blossomed and evolved on the tongue, revealing new layers of fruit with each bite of chocolate.
Like Kismet, destiny, the inexorable pull of fate, Merlot and Cacao chocolate were meant to be. So we let it be. If there is anything more tantalizing to the taste buds than a complex red wine enjoyed with dark chocolate, then we'd like to know.
A Wine for All Seasons copyright © 2010 by Steve and Claudia Evans. All rights reserved.
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