UNBELIVEABLE MERLOT VALUE

[Jerry D Mead]

This year's Julio Gallo Memorial Trophy for Best New World Merlot goes to Montpellier 1997 "California" ($7). I think Julio might have smiled at the idea of a bargain wine winning a trophy bearing his name. The good news is this wine is widely available.

This immediately drinkable, luscious cherry-fruited Merlot, beat out the big boys and expensive competitors in the taste-off of top Merlots from each of four price categories. Imagine the judges' surprise when they discovered they had picked the least expensive. A cousin of mine has already bought two cases (found it on sale for $4.99!!!!)and touted a dozen friends on it...all of them happy.

This is another brand from the folks who bring you Forest Glen and Hacienda, among others. The Forest Glen ($10) also won a gold, received a "Best Buy" from me some weeks ago and I'm told Wine Enthusiast had it pegged as one of its Best Values of the Year.

Re the Montpellier...better chance you'll find it at a supermarket than at a specialty store.

JDM