Well, it's the first Saturday of May, which means it's Cellar Saturday! That magical day when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making. Tonight I've opened a special bottle that has only been in my cellar since last year, as I was fortunate enough to buy one of the last remaining bottles of Chuck's first vintage of Merlot. I have no technical specifications for this wine, so we may as well just taste it!
The wine is a lovely ruby color in the glass, with just the faintest tint of amber along the edges. The nose is still fresh and vibrant, with aromas of ripe red fruit, cherry, plum and raspberry with undertones of oak and eucalyptus. Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of ripe cherry and plum that transitions easily to some notes of mocha and toasted oak midpalate. The tannins are still fairly pronounced, providing a foundation for a delightfully long, dry finish that lingers awaiting your next sip.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's held up remarkably well for a Columbia Valley wine over more than two decades! This wine would be welcome beside a big steak, prime rib or grilled stuffed Portobello caps. Tonight I am enjoying this wine with some grilled picanha with chimichurri along with oven roasted baby potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Cheers!
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