Sidways effect on Wines.com group?

[TheEngineer]

I know that we don't often post in places like Cognac, Chenin Blanc, and other things but there has been no post on Merlot for almost 30 days?

Anyone here notice a reduction in their merlot consumption? [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[dananne]

Interestingly, in the 3 years or so that I've been either lurking or actively posting around here, I've never noticed much action on that thread. It'll go long stretches without any posts from regulars. You'll see some St. Emilion posts and stuff like that in the Bordeaux thread, but nothing in the Merlot one.

Frankly, though, I'm not doing anything to improve the lack of posts situation as I so rarely drink it. Looking at my cellar sheet, I have one new world Merlot in stock right now. Actually (and wierdly), I've got more bottles of Alicante Bouschet in my cellar!

[robr]

That is interesting, considering Merlot is (or was) so incredible popular. I like it, but not as much as most other reds.

[Triple H]

I think there's some really great Merlot coming from Washington. I'm a bit biased of course, and have much better access than most of you, but some of my favorites are from:

Woodward Canyon
Columbia Crest - Grand Estates (great value and mentioned here quite often)
Kestrel
L'Ecole No 41 (had a 98 last weekend that was stellar)
Spring Valley Uriah (merlot dominant blend)
Dellile D2 (another merlot dominant blend)

It seems Washington is doing a lot more blends then other regions, even labeling wines as a blend when by law they could put Merlot on the label as the content is greater than 75% (Washington law, I think)

[Innkeeper]

Long, long before Sideways we became cool on Merlot. Even though there are some good ones around such as those recommended by Triple H, the majority of New World Merlot is flabby and boring. In Europe before North America became a serious market, Merlot was almost exclusively used as a blending wine with a few exceptions. Just as in California and Washington, there are a few special places that Merlot likes such as the East Bank of the Garrone (in Bordeaux) and the Northeast corner of Italy.

[wondersofwine]

Outside of French blends probably the best Merlot I've had was from Australia--Irvine Grand Merlot and pricy at $50. I like some of the Washington State efforts but it's not a favorite variety for me. Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon (when not too tannic) all come out ahead for me. However, some of my favorite French wines in tastings have been ones containing a high percentage of Merlot such as Chateau Angelus which is sometimes 48% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot. Oh, and I like Sangiovese and Corvina also.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 09-09-2005).]

[winoweenie]

Eng I think the last time anyone was enthusiastic about the varietal was on one of the Blackstones' in the Real Deal thread. The only Calif merlots' I've had in my cellar since the 1978 vintage are the excellent Duckhorns. They certainly don't fall into the real deal/steal catagory. WW

[TheEngineer]

I went to check my inventory and noticed that except for St. Emilion's I also only have a few bottles of merlot and those where generally gifts and one blackstone. Those new world ones that I have tried (and that is not many) I also tend not to find too interesting, so I don't find myself going back, but as I was ingrained as a kid (images of Sister Immaculatta again...) never say no until you at least try it once! ("and again and again 'til you finish everything off your plate!!!...Yes Sister Immaculatta.....) [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[Bucko]

After tasting thousands of samples, IMHO Washington is making the best Merlot in the New World. I'll post a few of my favorites in the Merlot thread.