Rob's "Wine of the Week" Archives
So here is my wine review for the week of May 30th, 2005...
Del Dotto Merlot 2002
Description: Merlot can be fruity, or dry and bold. There are medium intensity merlots and more, bold, intense full bodied merlots. This was just released by Del Dotto last month.
How to Get it: I found this bottle at the winery for about $30. Some wine specialty Stores and on-line sites will carry it as well.
How Much: At the winery, I paid $30 per bottle. It is generally a $30 bottle in stores, $50-75 in restaurants, although finding this bottle on a wine list is rare.
My Thoughts: This is the second choice of merlots, it's dry and bold all at once and it drinks much like a cabernet with brandy overtones and a vanilla finish that is full, with a subtle bite. The bouquet sends notes of peppers but the flavor is very complex. Not for merlot lovers, but worth trying if you're a big, red wine drinker.
Overall Score: This is a more traditional
Merlot than the bastardized merlots we've been getting during the last 10 years as wine makers catered to non-wine drinkers who wanted fruity, even sweet merlot. This is a great cabernet-light that warrants drinking again. On my 5 vine scale, I give this wine 4 vines.
Del Dotto Merlot 2002 =
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