NV Kynsi Merah

Kynsi

NV Merrah

62% Merlot
38% Syrah

"Merrah San Luis Obispo County 65% Merlot and 35% Syrah. 400 cases made. Aromas of dark chocolate covered black cherries and cinnamon spiced red plums come to mind with a touch of vanilla and violets. Dark berries and toasty oak blend with integrated tannins and complex finish."

I purchased this while on a girls only trip with my girlfriend from High School. We had a great time going around to various wineries in the Paseo Robles district and spending some quality time together.

The description comes from their current version of the wine, however, this bottle was still very fruity, cherries and plums, with a touch of black pepper to it. The tannins have mellowed and the wine is very drinkable now. I would like it with some baked chicken and maybe some really smooth cheese.

Bernardus 1997 Marinus Carmel Valley Red Wine

Bernardus

1997

Meritage

Carmel Valley

Purchased 01/05/02 $46.00

Opened 11/02/07

"...Bordeaux-style wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes..."

This wine was good when we purchased it in 2002, needing just a bit more time to smooth out and take care of the alcohol heat. Well, now it's smooth. It's past it's prime, but the flavor is mostly still there. The wine has quite a bit of sediment to it, including sulfate crystals that will form over time. I noticed a slightly sour odor to the wine when it was first opened, and then several crystals in my glass. When I poured the next glass through a coffee filter, the sour smell was gone. I don't know if the crystals impact that odor or not, but I'll be sure to filter the next time I pour.

We purchased two bottles in 2002, the second will not get a review, but just a note that it's been opened and consumed.

I need to keep on this project of opening and drinking a bottle of wine a week so that I can clear some space in my wine racks.

Dry Creek Vineyards 1997 Reserve Merlot Dry Creek Valley

Dry Creek Vineyards

1997 Reserve
Merlot
Dry Creek Valley

Much better. A year older, but a better year. This wine is not as hot as the Merryvale was, the tannins have subsided and the pure fruit flavor shines through. Like it a lot. I'll make sure the bottle gets finished before I head to Austin.

Merryvale 1998 Reserve Merlot Napa Valley

Merryvale 1998 Reserve Merlot Napa Valley

Purchased 12/27/01 $39.00

Opened 10/19/07

Past it's prime, and actually on the down side of it's life. I can still taste what it used to be, but the flavors are fading. I have a buying problem, not a drinking problem. And so this wine has been languishing in the racks too long. Time to drink more wine I think.