Reviews & Ratings

2001 Raphael Merlot "First Label"

Winery: Raphael

Vintage: 2001

Wine Name/Vineyard: "First Label"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 95% Merlot & 5% Cabernet

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Long Island

State or country: NY

Price: $30

Cases produced: 550

KWG Score: 87.5 (based on 2 reviews)

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

Review date: October 8, 2006

Wine Review: The nose on this wine is mild, pleasant, and has a touch of berries. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, very smooth, has nice flavors and is dry. This wine would match well with hearty foods in the winter. The wine finishes dry with a little length. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2001 Merlot is our best ever from Raphael exhibiting the strength and ripeness from a great vintage. Dark fruit flavors like blackberry and cassis prevail with mint, chocolate, leather and tobacco nuances. Sumptuous and dense yet at the same time tender and harmonious with layers of floral freshness. Our consulting enologist, Paul Pontallier from Chateau Margaux, has estimated the flavor development of 2001 First Label Merlot will last many years. Voted "Best Long Island Red Wine of 2005" by the New York Times.

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