A TN in which TomHill actually tastes a Merlot:
1. Forlorn-Hope Merlot Onavolk RorickVnyd/CalaverasCnty (12.90%; 52 cs) Murphys 2014: Med.color; fairly classic Merlot/plummy/grapey light smokey somewhat earthy/loamy light peppery pleasant enough nose; fairly tart slight metallic/tangy some Merlot/plummy/grapey light toasty/oak fairly earthy/loamy bit rustic/rough flavor w/ modest hard/edgy tannins; long tart/lean/hard some metallic/tangy bit Merlot/plummy rather earthy/loamy/mushroomy/granitic slight toasty/oak finish w/ some hard/rough tannins; a rather hard/austere/lean/gritty bit rough/rustic red that reminds a bit of a Loire CabFranc w/o the lushness; a pleasant enough nose but prety hard/rough on the palate; not sure if time will work wonders on this wine. $48.00
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A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. When I sent my F-H order this time, I told Matt that I had even stooped to order the Merlot and that I felt like I do after every time I re-sign up for the WineSpec subscription...I feel unclean and like I need to go take a shower. He responded "How do you think I feel having to make the wine??" He cautioned me that this Merlot is "different" from anybody else's Merlot. And, indeed, it is.
I assume this Merlot was a legacy grape planted on his Estate. I really wanted to like this wine. I struggled to find something to like about it. Alas, it was just too hard & tannic on the palate for my taste. Maybe time will soften it up...I don't know. This was my only btl, so I'll never know.
Tom