Happy Sunday! I'll admit I spend most of the afternoon working and then mowing, so I'm definitely ready for a nice glass of wine. Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine that I picked up at my local supermarket yesterday, the 2016 Rutherford Hill Napa Valley Merlot. Given the unpopularity (is that a word?) of Merlot when compared to Cabernet, there are usually bargains to be found as in this case. My market was apparently discontinuing this wine, and it was marked down to $19, so how could I resist? I put four bottles in my cart and then the friendly cashier reminded me if I bought six I'd get an extra 10% off, for a net cost of around $17! So, let's see if this bargain was worth the price!
The wine is a deep, inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you might expect from a Napa Merlot. A quick swirl reveals aromas of ripe blackberry, cherry and cassis, with undertones of dried herbs and baking spice. Take a sip and your palate is enveloped by a velvety cascade of ripe black fruit interspersed with some earthy mineral notes and hints of anise and violet. The tannins a lush, providing a nice backdrop for the long, voluptuous dry finish.
Overall, this wine was well worth the bargain price and I'd rate this one a solid 9, as it's a classic Napa Valley Merlot. This wine would pair well with hearty pasta dishes, soft cheese, or a nice steak. Tonight I'm enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse topped with sautéed sweet and red onions, along with steamed broccoli and oven roasted purple potatoes. Cheers!
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