I can't honestly remember the last time I bought a single-varietal Merlot. I don't even have a tag for it. I guess I avoid it because in general it tends to produce soft, easy drinking reds, which isn't really my preference.I've liked every wine I've tried in the Bonterra range at Waitrose, so I thought I'd try this. I'm glad I did - I really like it. Initially it seemed like an oaky fruit-bomb, but there is more to it than that. It is oaky - at first I was getting notes of sawdust, but after a few sips it becomes more of a creamy characteristic. Great depth of fruit flavour as well, and a finish that lingers. It's a fruit-forward wine for sure, and I'm not sure Hugh Johnson would approve, but I like it.
Hats off to Bonterra. California wines have a reputation for being either plonkish or prohibitively expensive in the UK. This range is neither, especially when on offer at Waitrose, which is frequently.
Merlot 2007
Mendocino County, California
Waitrose
£7.32 (£10.99)
3.5/5
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Thanks for sharing the review of Bonterra Merlot 2007. You captured it so well in the blog.
ReplyDeleteI ordered 6 more bottles of it, along with 6 bottles of the Bonterra Chardonnay which is also on offer - you can beat either at that price (both under £7).
ReplyDeletesorry - that should say "can't beat either...."
ReplyDelete:-)