I’m not the biggest Merlot fan, but three years in the bottle has seemed to really help this wine. The big, aggressive tannins you usually find in a Merlot largely muted in this wine, a distinct plus for me. Not bad for sipping, and probably would work ok for dinner too.

It has a clear, bright medium to deep violet color, with some structure to the wine. There are definite berry notes (blackberry) and an under note of some spice. The aroma for the most part follows thorough to your palette with some moderate acidity, low (maybe the word nowadays is rounded) tannins, a good balance and a clean, if short, finish. It doesn’t seem to keep well so be sure to use up what you open.

And it’s just as well Silenus didn’t get to report on this one. He’d be appalled by my grade.

Grade: B Price: $9

Wine Reviewed:
Corq Dorq
2004
Merlot
California
Alcohol: 13.5% by Volume