Welcome to the fifth in our quick refresher series on Wine 101!  We led off with Riesling, and now are moving along to the middle red, Merlot!

Quick Facts on Merlot:

Merlot is a beautiful choice for the holidays thanks to it’s moderate body, smooth texture, and gorgeous flavors, like blackberry, plum, and cedar. It may not be as prevalent as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, but it’s lower popularity makes for more deals.

Color: Red
Style: Dry
Body:  Medium
General Characteristics:  Blackberry, Black Cherry, Plums, Cedar, Leather
Notable Regions:  France (Pomerol & St.-Emilion), California, Washington, Chile, New York

Bogle Merlot 2014

Last year’s recommendations were Alexander & Fitch Merlot 2013 (how I got through that without an Abercrombie & Fitch joke, I’ll never know), and Peirano Estate “Six-Clones” Merlot from Lodi (woo Lodi!).  However, if you go back in First Pour Wine history, you might recognize the name Bogle.  Much like Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc from earlier this week, Bogle Merlot was one of the first wines from when we were recording the show.  5 years later, how Bogle Merlot compare?

Sight:  The wine is a firm ruby red, with a beautiful magenta edge.

Smell:  Raspberries, blackberries, and a nice toasty vanilla oak note are all present.  The nose has a little heat that hangs around the edges.    The berries are ripe, almost jammy, and well complimented by plums with notes of cedar and chocolate nibs.

Sip:  The body starts off with a nice pop of brightness, and maintains it.  The texture isn’t particularly soft,  but the flavors of raspberries, black plums, smoke, and anise all weave their way together harmoniously and well layered.   A hint of vanilla disappears from the forefront over time, and moves more toward a slightly bitter coffee note.

Savor:  The ending is deeply concentrated with plum skins and espresso.  The finish is longer than might be expected, and grows deeper into chocolate and oak before relaxing.  Firm tannins throughout.

Bogle Merlot still lacks a suppleness, but the flavors are delicious.  While the wine goes through some oddly disjointed moments, it never really falters from it.  Instead, it somehow all works, with the black plums, raspberries, and deep coffee / chocolate notes.  The tannic structure is nice as well, and keeps it ready for food.  As Merlot goes, Bogle Merlot is a nice choice to see some of the potential the varietal offers.

Verdict:  Black Plum, Tannic, Raspberry, Coffee
Rating: 85
Price: $8
California

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