It's time to look at the third pair of reds from the WineSaver Red Wine Tasting on May 27th. Blogging time has been infrequent this month, so I appreciate your patience.
Today, we look at the wines brought by Steven & Diane:
A 1997 Solis Cielo Vinyard Merlot ($18), and a 2001 Rancho Sisquoc Cellar Select Meritage ($25 - not really a wine that is readily available).
You must note that Steven is the most knowledgeable and erudite of the group when it comes to wines, so leave it to him to bring one that no one can find without going to a great deal of trouble, or having some connections at Rancho Sisquoc. Naturally, the Meritage was rated the best wine of the evening.
First, the Solis Merlot:
The nose was peppery (the most frequent comment), with a mineral background, blackberry, currant, and hints of terroir.
The taste was fruity, jammy, with rich blackberry and currant, with a smooth flavor. Dorianne rated it #4, noting a "jammy blackberry, fruity, rich flavor - perfect with steak (which is what it was served with).
Second, the Rancho Sisquoc Meritage:
Given that it was the final wine of the evening, it is somewhat surprising that the Meritage was just about everyone's favorite.
It was served with a chocolate souffle, made by Dorianne, and it closed the meal beautifully.
The nose was full, fruity, elegant, berry.
The flavor was full fruit, smooth, moderate tannins. Comments included "Yum!" "Smooth & Elegant." Dorianne, rating it #1 noted "chocolate, blackberry, smooth, rich, luxurious."
So 6 down and 2 to go - next time, I'll cover the two wines that I brought to the Red Wine Tasting.
The White Wine Tasting happens on July 4th - so look for the blog to cover that starting on July 5th.
'Till then,
The WineSaver
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