CK Mondavi 2005 Merlot Wild Creek Canyon California

OK, you could probably find this as a “house” wine at a restaurant. Hopefully, this was one of the canyons that went up in flames recently in California. At best, the 2nd bottle of wine you open. Silenus thinks this should be the 3rd bottle you open. And the real cork is a plus I suppose.

This is a clear, bright but somewhat pale violet color with no wine structure to be discerned. There are some berry notes, if somewhat muted. The berry notes don’t really follow though to your palette. There’s plenty of dryness and some moderate to low tannins. But any real off notes. The balance is OK and the finish is short. And then there's that dark tongue from some additives (Mega Purple?) which doesn't help either. Frankly even for the price, I think I paid too much.

Make that the 3rd bottle you open.

– Silenus

Grade: D+ Price: $11 (1.5L)

Wine Reviewed:
CK Mondavi
2005
Merlot
Wild Creek Canyon
California
Alcohol: 13.8% by Volume
www.ckmondavi.com