Merlot has had a rough time of late, being the recipient of much bad press (need i mention the movie Sideways). It does feature regularly in lesser priced bottles but many drinkers have cast aside the entire variety as being “new world plonk”. Mick and I believe there is good in all that comes from the vine so in the next show we’re going to open up a bottle and see what it has to offer.
We thought Peter Lehmann’s 2003 Merlot ($18) would be a good starting point. A great label and a decent price, so if you’d like to join us in a tasting, pick one up before you play the next show.
Also, why not pin a photo on The Oz Wine Show Frappr map. Click here.
Hugo
Another great episode. I must coorect you on “Sideways” though. The trip the two men took was not in Napa, but in Santa Barbara County. Peace, Chris
Great show guys. I’ve been looking for someone to say something positive publicly about Merlot since the Sideways bashing!! Will listening in the future ffor sure. Best, Nick
Chris, thanks for the correction. Much appreciated.
Nick, as a Sommelier you must be sick of people snubbing there noses at any suggestion of a decent merlot.
Hugo
Kenneth,
thanks for pinning yourself on the Frappr map. It’s great to hear that the show is helping to get you more into wine – the snowball has started rolling. I know that the more i learn about wine, the more i appreciate it.
If there’s any topic you’d like discussed then let us know.
I’ve got a bottle of the ‘02 Merlot that I’ll open at the same time and see how it compares.
How is the next show coming along?
Cam, thanks for the patience. We recorded a show a few weeks ago but lost the whole file and have only had the time to do it again this week. It’s done but i’m in Hawaii for a week so it’s an effort to edit it here.
Been setting up a lot of interviews too which will do when i get back. There’s a lot coming up, so stay tuned.
Sorry to hear you lost your work! Been looking forward to the next episode myself. Will have to pick up a bottle, have been meaning to try some of Peter Lehmann’s reds.
Great show guy’s and best of luck with it. I’m relatively new to wine, I found a label I like – John Irvine, the Eden Crest Merlot, I like to hear your opinion of this producer and any others of a similar price/quality you would recomend to try.
Enjoying the show – I’m an ex-pat Aussie living in the US and have been inundated lately with questions from friends about the screw-top revolution in Australia. A good extension to the New World – Old World discussion would be a comparison of cork vs screw top and the relative merits of each. Where are each most appropriate, hig-low alcohol, aging required, etc.
Keep up the good work – also like the Margan wines. Nice to hear them mentioned.
Simon