Merlot comes from Bordeaux, France and is the dominant variety used to produce wines from this region. It is usually mixed with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot wines are generally dry, medium-bodied wines with flavors of ripe plums and blackberries. Acidity is about medium and tannins are low to medium. If aged in oak barrels, merlot takes on vanilla notes and becomes creamy. Outside of France, merlot is used in wines from California, Chile, and Australia. California merlots have a very pronounced fruit flavor while Chilean merlots have a softer flavor. The intensity of Australian and Bordeaux merlots fall in between Californian and Chilean merlots.

Merlot is a very versatile wine. It can be paired with turkey, duck, steak, hamburgers, rack of lamb, most wild game, and meaty pastas and soups.     

2004 Finca El Portillo Merlot

Darker and heavier than most merlots...

Full Tasting Notes (06/03/06)

My Score: 85

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