Wilson Vineyards 2003 Merlot

Another wine from Wilson Vineyards, the Merlot. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this merlot. I think it is retailing for somewhere around $10.00.

Color: Very clean, young, cherry- red edges with a dark Burgundy core.

Nose: Like I said, its a lighter merlot but very ripe flavors like plum, tobacco and sweet red bell pepper. Aromas of pencil shavings and American oak also come into play. After the wine sits in the glass for a while it opens up to more floral notes, something like violets I think. It is definitely not one of the early picked unripe Merlots that tickles your nose with vegetative mercaptans.

Palate: The palate is clean with good acidity. The midpalate is a little weak but the tannins leave their mark on the back of your tongue and keep the wine lingering.

Overall: The wine drinks easily and is very versatile with food. The alcohol is 14.7% but the wine isn't hot and goes down smooth. I enjoyed this Merlot with a dinner of stuffed eggplant and shrimp. It went nicely.

I give it a B+