2005 BAUMBACH MERLOT- Sierra Foothills
I’m sure there are plenty of you out there that will turn your nose up to a Merlot. And why not, right? I mean, if other people don’t like it there’s probably no way you would, right? And I’m sure those “winemakers” over in “Bordeaux” in that country called “France” probably have no use for it either. Right? I heard that Chateau Margaux took it right out of their blend after a couple hundred years because of some Hollywood movie.
If you could ever find it in your hearts to give this varietal another chance you will certainly be surprised with the example that Baumbach is showing off. One of the things that turned some of us away from Merlot is the lack of backbone they can show. Lots of times the absence of that is needed in robust, very tannic wines to help calm them down while adding some soft textures and making them more approachable when young. The other side of that is needing a straight varietal that will show some acidity and structure when presented by itself. Baumbach has taken the best of both worlds and made a Merlot, with a very small amount of Charbono, for around $18 that is easily enjoyable by itself because of its interesting floral nose and deep red berry/ blueberry flavors. It retains enough tannin and light acidity on the finish to let you know it’s serious about accompanying your favorite cut of meat or hearty pasta dish. It’s a great value and might put your trust back in California Merlot.
2005 MAS DES BRESSADES CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SYRAH Costieres de Nimes
Considered by many to be the top estate in the Costieres de Nimes, Mas des Bressades creates wonderfully rich, powerful, and elegant wines. This blend sells for about $18 and is well worth searching out. The larger amount of Cabernet lends to the angular start of fresh but deep and dark fruit and light mint while the Syrah (about 30% of the blend) rounds out the finish with some rustic flair, fall leaves, and earth. The richness of the two masculine grapes marries perfectly to create a wine that has great weight and palate feel without the overpowering tannins that typically accompany new world blends involving Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s another wonderful value and should be consumed within five years, look for their Roussanne/Viognier blend for another unique experience full of more richness, oil, hay, and hearty tropical fruit.
2006 FORIS PINOT NOIR Illinois Valley, Oregon
It seems like it’s becoming more and more difficult to find a good Pinot Noir under $20, especially one from Oregon. Foris makes a $19 bottle that will kick the crap out of your $25 California bottle. Bring it on, sunshine. Foris is a small winery in the southwestern part of the state, with similar styles to the Willamette Valley their wines are more similar to France’s than California’s. This Pinot opens with an inviting array of raspberry, lavender, spice, and wood. The palate pleases with beautiful minerality and hints of chocolate with all its red fruit and firm tannin. It’s a medium bodied wine and not particularly delicate, like it’s begging you to keep swirling your glass. You won’t be disappointed for trying something from this little known appellation.
2006 LOUIS LATOUR GRAND ARDECHE Vin de Pays des Coteaux de L’Ardeche
It’s not often that you find a French Chardonnay as accessible and affordable at this one from Latour. It sees some barrel aging which makes for a wonderful texture without being over the top like some of our domestic brethren. If you’re more interested in Chardonnay fermented in stainless steel you can try the Ardeche for a few bucks and a few splinters less. Actually the oak on this is soft and well integrated with the fruit, it has a seamless transition from beginning to finish. The fresh, rich fruit makes you wonder if the person selling it to you had the right price on it, it even has a dash of minerality for good measure. The acidity is prevalent enough to keep the package well wrapped without keeping it a secret before exposing the honey and light vanilla finish. Another nice bargain glass after glass.
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