Any Word on 95 Matanzas Creek Merlot?

[troutbum]

This is the first post for me, wondering if anyone has TNs or info on the 1995 Matanzaz Creek Merlot? Thanks.

[anna]

I opened a bottle of this last week and really enjoyed it. When I first got the 1995, it was kind of harsh and not particularly pleasant to drink. Well, a few years in the cellar did the trick -- now it's settled down, with the expected plum flavors in the forefront and a nice, smooth texture.

Sorry, I don't have the wine experience (yet!) or the vocabulary of many of the other posters here, but I think you'll enjoy this bottle now.

[troutbum]

Thanks Anna; I appreciate the info.

[winoweenie]

Troutbum, Welcome to the board. You can pretty much place the Matanzas in the top 5 Calif Merlots in any given vintage. The 95 is , and will get better,a fine bottle that has the prerequisites of fine merlot. Winoweenie

[troutbum]

Thanks WW, you have piqued my curiosity as to your other 4...TB

[winoweenie]

T-bum, IMHO the top merlot producers are as follows, Duckhorn " 3 Palms ", Pride, Pahlmeyer, Beringer " Bancroft Ranch ", and from Washinton state the Leonetti. There are lots of other vinyards making outstanding merlots from time-to-time but these fellers seem to have the handle. Winoweenie

[troutbum]

No arguement here on your picks, WW. Do you know the Behrens and Hitchcock? Thought that to be a big bottle.

[winoweenie]

T-bum, have tried a couple of their bottlings, the Napa and the Rudy`s Cuvee. Both are big wines but not exactly the style of merlot I favor. Seem a little bit too extracted. Maybe with age the bottlings will come along. I`ve only had the 97.Of the two I preferred the Rudy`s. Winoweenie