Norm's Tasting Notes: 2008 Alexander Valley Merlot

Norm's Tasting Notes

By:  Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net           

2008 Alexander Vineyards Alexander Valley Merlot

#nb-22-13

Some years ago, when I first sampled the Alexander Vineyards Merlot  I had read that it was a Merlot that thought it was a Cab, I agreed with that description and began to suggest it to others with the same reccomendation.  When I tasted this 2008 vintage a few weeks ago, I felt like it was "deja vu all over again".The wine is 88% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Syrah, and 100% enjoyable!  It was aged in both French and American oak for 15 months, and has an alcohol content of 14%.

The nose is powerful, and I was rewarded by its scent as soon as the cork was released from the bottle. The aromas of blackberry and dark cherry filled the room.  At the first sip the flavors of cassis, plum and red berries were backed by a subtle vanilla oak finish, which lingered on until the next taste.  I found the taste to be very much like a Cab, but with a little more velvety texture in this very elegant style wine.

We enjoyed the Alexander Merlot with a two inch thick filet mignon, grilled a perfect medium rare, and while I could see this as an excellent companion to a variety of other meals, it could be no better than it was with our steak.  Norm's score is 89.

Score: 89

Price: $17 - $21

Norm

Norm’s Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

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