WTN/WT101: A Merlot from Patagonia

Ray Gelato is rocking up a storm at the FIFA World Cup celebrations as I open this one up!! Basically I am looking for a merlot (Arg) that says "try me...I`m different....I`m a change from Malbec".

WTN: `04 Merlot Saurus Patagonia Select--Familia Schroeder, Arg.

14%, opened an hour and decanted. No sediment noted, the appellation of San Patricia del Chanar is a newish one, way south.

Lot # ME-LOO11, very attractive packaging. "Better buy than the Malbec" store manager!

Colour. One of the lightest merlot I have come across. Nice soft rainbow, red ruby w. thin violet hue on the rim. Not much in the way of legs.

Nose. Initially restrained, this is where I need a Riedel glass!! Hints of spice and blackberry (thats safe eh). Not much developement over an hour, but some toast later on.

Palate. First mouthfeel is sweet, soft, ripe black fruits. Low in tannin, blackberry and cherry very much to the forefront. Fair acidity but good balance, not your big blockbuster.
Young vines here I guess, finish is quite pleasant, not astringent at this young stage. After 24 hrs, has tons more grip on the finish, looking for hints of terroir?

Cost--$20.00 Cdn.

[Jenise]

Bob, your note's so objective, I can't tell if you liked the wine or not. I'd call what you say about it a poor wine (at least a poor example of merlot), and a poor value. Is that where you are?

It was OK but nothing to get excited about. Pricey too and was sandwiched twixt the Cedar Creek and the Sandhill.