Ignore The Merlot Rumors...It Can Be Fantastic!!
Written: Aug 26 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Absolutely delicious; balanced and flavorful
Cons: Too expensive for my regular enjoyment
The Bottom Line: If you can spend $30 and want a great merlot, definitely pick this up.
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| fishifishi's Full Review: 2002 Gundlach-bundschu Merlot Rhinefarm Vineyard 2... |
One of the perks of my work is that I frequently get asked for forgiveness of verbal abuse with bottles of wine I could never afford on my own. Recently after a stressful week I acquired a bottle of Merlot by Gundlach Bundshu that I found cost about $30. Always one to try something new, and knowing the great reputation that this winery has (partially by my own experience with their Pinot Noir) I couldn’t wait to try it.
The 2005 Gundlach Bundshu Merlot is from their Rhinefarm Vineyard in Sonoma Valley. Research showed (not mentioned on the label) that the actual composition of the wine is 94% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec and 1% Syrah. (In the US, if a wine is more than 75% of one grape, you are not legally obligated to list the other grapes in the blend.) According to the website, it ages for 17 months in French Oak, and its night harvested-these factors make me anticipate a mellow and cool wine without too much influence from the barrel. The wine has 14.1% alcohol by volume. The label is simple and classy, tan with burgundy and black text.
The merlot pours surprisingly light, a brick red but not quite as densely colored as I anticipated. The nose is licorice and cherry and a little bark. Almost pine, not quite. The tongue has hints of black licorice; mind you, I do NOT like black licorice but I am happy to report that there is just a hint, a component that works well with the other flavors for the final product. That taste swirls into black cherry, raspberry, a little oak, a finish of pine or moss; earthy without being chewy or dry. The notes on their website suggested the flavor component of ‘tea leaf’ but I didn’t find that.
This wine is big flavored, but not muddling. I would more so call it supple and smooth, yet full. It would definitely stand well against steak, beef, or pork with great seasoning; it’s too much for fish or cocktailing. I would love to serve this at a dinner party, but at $30 a bottle, I will have to re-read this epinion to reminisce; I can’t spend this much on a regular basis. It’s supposedly going to age well for at least another few years, if not longer, so if you have the money, enjoy this wine!!
For more information regarding this and other wines by the producer, visit www.gunbun.com
Recommended:
Yes
Winery Name: Gundlach Bundschu
Varietal: Merlot
Country: USA
State or Region: California
County or Appellation: Sonoma
Price: 30
Wine Rating Scale: Better than most
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