Good Merlot's

[Mar]

I am always on the look out for a good Merlot. I agree that one of my favorites is the Canoe Ridge. Also a good bang for the buck is Markham Vineyards, 1999 Merlot, Nappa Valley.

[Innkeeper]

Hi Mar and welcome to the Wine Board. See our moderator Bucko's post "Seven Decent Merlots" also posted today. Hogue Merlot from Washington State has also received some good press. With the exception of very few, e.g. the Bogle, don't personally care much for American or other New World Merlot. Do like blends from Bordeaux and the New World involving merlot. Favorite varietal merlot comes from the Collio region of Italy. Look for it.

[bygosh]

I am a new wine drinker. How shall I care for a opened bottle of merlot. How long will it be good if I re-cork it and refrigerate? Is this thebest way to store unused portions?

[Innkeeper]

Hi Bygosh, and welcome to you too. Recorked wine can be kept a day or two in the refrigerator. Bring red wine such as merlot back to around 65% F before drinking again. Ideally it is best to have an empty half bottle (375 ml) hanging around for this use. The idea is, you want to trap as little air as possible in the bottle. Oxygen is what destroys wine in the long run.

[oinofilos]

An excellent Merlot is the following:
Hungarian Del-Balatoni Merlot from the BB winery.

try it!!!