1999 Arrow Creek Merlot, California

[jackl]

For those of you who have Kroger stores where you live, you've probably seen this brand of wine; for those of you who don't, you've probably haven't seen this brand since it's the only place I've come across it. Usually coming in under $7 (this time it was 5.99), it would have to be placed in the bargain category, even by supermarket standards. At the same time I thinks it qualifies for the good to very good value category as well. For me it just proves the point again that no matter how tempting, you can't dismiss any particular wine based soley on price. To the wine itself, it was medium bodied, had aromas of cassis and oak (very cabernet-like), and nicely focused plum flavor with some smoke and spice in there too. What really made it work for me was good acidity that kept the flavors fresh and vibrant. It also made for a better match with the dinner as well. If more California winemakers would take this lead, I would definitely have to give more Cal merlots a second look.