Merlot Madness

[Innkeeper]

Just how far Merlot Madness can go was illustrated by Dan Berger in a side bar to his July 11 Newsetter. The subject was Chateau Le Pin, a very popular Pomoral that most of us can't afford. It is 100% merlot, and is produced at no more than 150 cases per year. Shrewd marketing. Certain folks can't wait to scarf up all they can get their hands on. This has driven the price of the '99 vintage up to $1000 per bottle.

What does it taste like? Serious critics who are not in the business of hyping the wine, say that it tastes like plums and oak. Does that sound familiar? This board is littered with TNs on New World Merlot with the same descriptors. Now you can pay a grand for this excellent blending wine without anything else blended into it.

Here's the rest of the story. The same folks that bring you Le Pin also produce Vieux Chateau Certain which is 50% merlot and 50% cabernet sauvignon. It shows much more depth and structure than Le Pin and sells for 1/10th the price or around $100.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 07-12-2002).]

[Bucko]

Another oaky wine at a ridiculous price...... I can have three to four CASES of nice Rhone wine for one bottle of Le Pin...... doh!