1998 French Merlot

[Martymcc]

How does 1998 rate as a year for French Merlot's? What year, if not 1998, particularly stands out?

[Innkeeper]

Hi Martymcc, and welcome to the Wine Board. 1998 was a sensational year for Pomerol, the region of Bordeaux that makes their wine predominately from merlot. The wines of the adjacent region of St Emillion are only slightly less desirable. These are just now coming on to the American market. The French wines that have the name Merlot on their bottles are the Vins de Pays. They are usually blends from various regions, and are not particularly dependent on vintage. A good brand of these to look for is Vichon.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 10-07-2000).]