Flavors of Merlot …
By Marisa D'Vari | July 30th, 2007 | Category: Varietals | 1 Comment »... of course, there are wine shops and there are wine shops. A shop I often visit lacks the upscale ambiance of many featured recently in Zagat's new listing, yet it has these incredibly great-value wines from France. Recently I acquired a bottle of Chateau Heyrauds 2003 (appellation bordeaux controlee) for two digits.
According to the web site, this is 100% Merlot, and you can see the flavor profiles below. Since I'm more of a left bank Bordeaux drinker (Cab Sauvignon territory) I'm surprised that I like it. Interesting, also, to note how many of the "typical" flavors are reflected in this wine including blueberry ("blue fruit," in case you are ever facing an exam) and cocoa/chocolate to be sure. Also plum, spice (in a major way), caramel (if you really use your imagination), and prune (ditto). Also coffee and mint. Try printing this flavor table out and use it when you have your next Merlot.
| Blueberry | Plum | Blackberry | Red Cherry |
| Black Cherry | Grapey | Mint | Chocolate |
| Cocoa | Cigar Box | Spice | Vanilla |
| Toffee | Coffee | Prune | Caramel |
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Nice. I will be trying this out. I am in a deep meditation about pinot noir versus merlot right now. The pinot craze has taken almost full shape and I want to see what merlot is doing about it because the little blackbird is getting such a bad rap right now and I'm about to get into tasting all kinds from around the world. From Romainia to Uraguay. I will use this chart in my geeky,"research."
EvWg