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This week's taste: We compare four Merlots - three from California (Chelsea Goldschmidt, Leese-Fitch and Liberty School) and one from Washington state (Columbia).
(Marc Bona, cleveland.com)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - We try a quartet of Merlots this week, from Chelsea Goldschmidt, Columbia, Leese-Fitch and Liberty School.
A few facts about Merlot:
* It's the fourth most grown grape in California and probably has rightfully surpassed its negative references in "Sideways."
* Loosely translated, it means "little blackbird" in French.
* Merlot, according to wine writer Jancis Robinson, is the most planted varietal in Bordeaux. But it is found in many wine regions, including Chile and Australia.
* Very food-friendly. Winefolly.com calls this grape a bit of a "chameleon," which means it's worth it to keep trying and tasting.
Chelsea Goldschmidt.
Chelsea Goldschmidt
From California's Alexander Valley comes this wine, offering rich, dark berries on the palate - specifically dark cherry -that really came out with some breathing time. Medium tannins and a little bit of smoke are present in this delicately balanced wine. Goldschmidt Vineyards produces wines under three names - Chelsea (Merlot), Hilary (Cabernet Sauvignon) and Katharine (also Cabernet Sauvignon). They are the daughters of the New Zealand native winemaker who previously worked at Simi Winery in California.
Info: $17, natural cork, goldschmidtsisters.com/3s_wines.php, 2013.
Columbia Merlot.
Columbia
The lone non-California entry this week - this is from Washington state - offers a bit of raspberry with very little aroma. Has little tannins. The winery's name is commonly found on menus. Food-friendly and not offensive. The winery's roots date to 1962 in Washington, a great source of quality wines. It's made with 87 percent Merlot, 11 percent Syrah and
2 percent Malbec.
Info: $16, composite cork, columbiawinery.com, 2013.
Leese-Fitch.
Leese-Fitch
Fruit smacks you immediately, then your mouth fills with some tannins and clean raspberry flavor. The grapes come from Lodi and Paso Robles, California. Composition: 81 percent Merlot, 9 percent Syrah, 5 percent Grenache, 3 percent Zinfandel and 2 percent Barbera.
Info: $12, plastic stopper, togwines.com, 2014.
Liberty School.
Liberty School
There is a lot going on in this wine. One of our tasting pals calls it "highly drinkable" and detected chocolate, dark cherries and anise on the nose. Licorice and cherry flavors al come through. There's a Zinfandel-like feel on the palate. It has a pleasing, dry finish. It's 100 percent Merlot. The wine, from California's Central Coast, spent 10 months in various oak barrels.
Info: $16, natural cork, hopefamilywines.com, 2014.
My pick: Tossup this week.
Marc Bona reviews and writes about wine for cleveland.com. Wines reviewed should be readily available in Northeast Ohio. Email him with news of any upcoming wine-related events.