Varietal of the Month: Merlot

 

Merlot practically needs no introduction; it’s one of the Nobel grapes, and one of the most planted grapes in the world. Perhaps you heard of Merlot in a movie that made the grape fall out of fashion? But that was decades ago and Merlot is back front and center and in the swing of things again. Although in truth Merlot never left the scene, it’s just been waiting for it’s moment to shine again and that moment is now.

 

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Merlot, Alexander Valley

The Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Merlot is rich, smooth and full flavored. On the nose it has notes of plum, black cherry, vanilla, fig newton, and a touch of graphite. On the palate it sings with juicy cherry, chocolate, cedar and a light note of sage. Soft and plush, with great texture, it has fine balanced tannins that stipple across the palate and through to the finish. Pair with a Sideways watch party.

AVB 14.0%
$24

 

Amphora 2019 Merlot, Dry Creek Valley

The Amphora 2019 Merlot from Dry Creek Valley is garnet in color with a pale rose edge. On the nose an earthy quality comes through with notes of violets, blueberry, cedar and leather. As it opens red raspberry and fig come into play. On the palate it’s deep and full flavored with plum, cassis, and chocolate. Smooth with well integrated tannins that linger on the spicy finish. Pair with spicy chicken-cheese enchiladas .

ABV 13.6%
$55

 

Francis Ford Coppola 2020 Merlot, Alexander Valley

The Francis Ford Coppola 2020 Merlot from Alexander Valley, composed of 82.4% Merlot, 15.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1.5% Cab Franc; has an approachable complexity that makes it an easy choice for sharing among friends and family with diverse palates. On the nose, scents of chocolate, raspberry, vanilla, blueberry, dusty violets and a pleasant whiff of s’mores roasting over a campfire. On the palate it’s rich and plush with fine sandy tannins and flavors of chocolate covered raspberry, rhubarb, and note of black olive. Pair with a poetic and romantic musical such as One From the Heart by Francis Ford Coppola. ;-)

ABV 15.0%
$30

 

Ehert 2019 Merlot, Knights Valley

Imagine a circus of the senses and that’s what you’ll find in a glass of the Ehret 2019 Merlot, composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s exciting and vibrant on the nose with scents of bright red cherry, raspberry, vanilla and spun sugar aka cotton candy. On the palate it’s a smooth operator with notes of caramel, plum, huckleberry, cocoa and a note of bay leaf and black olive. Great texture with soft balanced tannins and a spicy finish make this a natural to pair with a variety of dishes from hearty lasagna to grilled salmon.

ABV 15.5%
$65

 

Ektimo 2020 Merlot, Russian River Valley

The Ektimo 2020 Merlot from Russian River Valley is like a poem written by the vineyard with earthy prose and poise you can taste. On the nose it has a gentle herbal note of bay leaf along with scents of dried strawberry, black cherry, and toffee. On the palate, it’s soft and plush with flavors of chocolate cherry, blackberry, tobacco and toasty vanilla. Long finish with supple tannins and a spicy tangy finish. Pair with a rib eye steak and chimichurri sauce.

ABV 14.5%
$36

 

Longboard 2021 Merlot, Dakine Vineyard, Russian River Valley

The Longboard 2021 Merlot, Dakine Vineyard, Russian River Valley is a field blend of Merlot and small amount of Malbec (11%) that is co-fermented. It smells like a warm chocolate éclair (so delicious) with rich scents of plum, caramel and red raspberry too. On the palate it’s plush and curvaceous with deep flavors of chocolate, thyme, and cafe au lait. Fine sandy tannins and great overall structure give it staying power to the last drop. It would be fun to buy a half dozen bottles now and open at two-year intervals to see where it will go. It’s sure to be a special destination. Pair with lamb kabobs and pomegranate sauce.

ABV 14.5%
$48

 

Robert Young 2019 Merlot, Alexander Valley

This meticulously made Robert Young 2019 Merlot from Alexander Valley is a pleasure from beginning to end. On the nose, a heady array of scents rises up from the glass with aromas of blackberry pie, raspberry, black olive, tobacco and chocolate. On the palate it’s luxurious and rich with soft tannins that ripple with flavors of cherry, Santa Rosa plum, dark cocoa, and dried strawberry. Pair with a simple charcuterie board or chili cheeseburgers.

ABV 14.1%
$60

 

Wine Road Podcast: Andrea Card, Senior Winemaker & Tim Bodell, Executive Chef at Francis Ford Coppola Winery

 

 

Varietal of the Month: Viognier

 

Viognier, originally from the Northern Rhone Valley in France, is a full-bodied white wine with a rich, unctuous texture. Intensely aromatic, Viognier has good acidity, tannin structure, and relatively high alcohol. Viognier from cool climates tend towards bright citrus notes, while warm climate wines exhibit deeper floral notes and ripe stone fruit flavors. Pronounced [Vee-ohn-yay]

 

 

Capo Creek 2022 Estate Viognier, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Capo Creek Estate Viognier is aromatic and fresh with aromas of honeysuckle, peach, apricot and orange blossom with a grounding note of toasted almond. On the palate it’s deep and rich with rippling acidity and flavors of lime, white peach and ripe mango. The long finish rings with notes of orange peel and crushed rose petals. Satisfying and textural, pair with a spicy Moroccan lamb curry

 

ABV 13.5%

$45

Carol Shelton Wild Thing Viognier 2022 Central Coast

 

The label on Carole Shelton’s 2022 Wild Thing Viognier is a major hint to the delights held within. Bursting with fresh floral aromatics, it fills the glass with scents of white flowers, honeydew, orange zest and a touch of marzipan. On the palate it’s taut and crisp with juicy notes of apple, creamy white peach and lime zest. Pair with spicy empanadas.

 

ABV 13.7%

$24

 

Francis Coppola Reserve 2022 Viognier Catie’s Corner, Russian River Valley

 

The Francis Coppola Reserve 2022 Viognier from Catie’s Corner is part of a portfolio of wines that showcase distinctive sites in Sonoma County and Catie’s Corner vineyard is renowned for a select few varietals including Viognier. On the nose, a bouquet of soft white floral scents with orange blossom, honeysuckle, peach, and lime zest. On the palate lively acidity balances the plush favors of fleshy white peach, mango, and ripe apricot. Long soft finish with a light note of honey-almond. Pair with Pad Thai or Chicken Satay with spicy peanut sauce.

 

ABV 14.5%

$40

 

J. Rickards 2022 Viognier Il Sogno Ranch, Dry Creek Valley

 

The J. Rickards 2022 Viognier from Il Sogno Ranch, Dry Creek Valley opens with a tropical mélange of aromatics featuring mango, lemongrass, lime, coconut and spicy ginger. On the palate, it’s lean and bright with a lithe, supple texture and citrus notes of lime, and ginger, plus a touch of orange creamsicle. The long finish is clean and taut with a balance of apricot, green apple and a sunny note of orange peel. Pair with grilled chicken topped with mango chutney.

 

ABV 14.3%

$32

 

Russian River Vineyards 2022 Viognier Catie’s Corner, Russian River Valley

 

Great wines hail from great vineyards and Catie’s Corner in Russian River Valley is one of the most storied and lauded for Viognier. The Russian River Vineyards 2022 Viognier from Catie’s Corner in Russian River Valley is a rush for the senses. The nose is chock full of fresh aromatics with scents of honeysuckle, peach, orange blossom and a touch of thyme. On the palate it’s lively and balanced with fleshy white peach, honeydew, crisp green apple and soft apricot. Clean lean finish makes it a natural to pair with spicy tuna sushi rolls.

 

AVB 13.2%

$52

 

Robert Young Viognier 2021 Alexander Valley

 

The Robert Young 2021 Viognier from Alexander Valley is complex and compelling with an ultra soft nose and equally soft palate— it’s like a whisper from the vines to your senses. On the nose a whiff of honeysuckle, and the subtle sweet scent of apple blossom, and sun warmed peach. On the palate it’s rich and textured with flavors of peach, mango, guava, and honeydew coupled with an ever so soft patter of light tannins on the finish like tiny kitten paw prints. Balanced and bright with a lovely soupçon of sweetness, it’s worthy of drinking all on it’s own or pair with a simple charcuterie board of salamis and creamy cheeses.

 

ABV 14.1%

$40

What are the best attractions in Napa and Sonoma?

This post first appeared on Forbes Travel Guide here.

Napa
First and foremost, wine is the main draw in Napa Valley, and many wineries are worth a visit, even for those who are not wine tasting. My personal favorite for all-in-one wine, fun, and education is Raymond Vineyards.

In Napa proper, visit Oxbow Market for the best food purveyors all under one roof. Check the schedule at the Uptown Theater for top music and entertainment events, or board the Wine Train for a leisurely gourmet ride though the vines.

The Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga, and the Petrified Forrest are wonders of nature at the north end of the Napa valley.

Sonoma
I think the best attractions in Sonoma County are found outdoors. Grab your hiking boots and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Sonoma Coast, the tranquility of the soaring redwoods in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Park, or the relaxing Russian River.

In Northern Sonoma County, follow The Wine Road for the best wineries in Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. And for an experience way beyond sniff, swirl and sip, check out Francis Ford Coppola Winery, located in Geyserville, with an array of activities including a resort style pool with cabanas, and a mini-museum of film memorabilia.

Fans of Peanuts comic strip will want to make a pilgrimage to the Charles Schultz Museum and keep an eye peeled for character statues scattered all around Santa Rosa. In tiny Bodega, flock to the spot where Alfred Hitchcock filmed the famous schoolhouse scene from The Birds.