Reviews & Ratings

2003 Merriam Vineyards Merlot "Windacre Vineyard"

Winery: Merriam Vineyards

Vintage: 2003

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Windacre Vineyard"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 95% "Windacre" Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, & 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Russian River Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $30

Cases produced: 390

KWG Score: 90 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89.99-87)

Review date: February 25, 2008

Wine Review: We enjoyed this new release from Merriam Vineyards at the Boston Wine Expo in February. This bright ruby red wine opens with a very inviting spicy berry like bouquet. On the palate, this medium bodied wine is round, balanced, and displays concentrated dusty cherry like flavors. The finish is dry, has moderate tannins, and is a bit prolonged. This wine would complement a pepper encrusted steak quite nicely. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: A powerful Merlot with abundant raspberry and cherry fruit in the bouquet and continuing onto the palate. Pleasing to the eye with its rich ruby color, the 2003 “Windacre” Merlot shows off its blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of violets, black cherry, cedar and rich chocolate. Upon tasting, flavors of ripe cherry and red berries are enhanced by hints of eucalyptus and spice. The wine’s beautiful mouthfeel gives way to a long fruit fi nish with lingering cedar and tobacco. Aging potential 6-10 years.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Merlot.