Five years and one day after I started this blog and podcast I get back behind the mic and restart regular podcasting. This episode features an interview with Rudy McClain, the filmmaker of the documentary Merlove. I also pick three Merlot wines from my tasting log for review.

Show Notes:

00:30 – Welcome and show theme

02:22 – Interview with Merlove filmmaker Rudy McClain

15:25 – My review of the documentary Merlove (Buy DVD at Amazon: http://bit.ly/8BCTau)

17:35 – Review of Bodegas Osborne, “Solaz”, Merlot-Tempranillo 2006

18:43 – Review of Blackstone, Merlot, Sonoma Reserve 2007

19:18 – Review of Raphael, Merlot 2001

21:37 – Feedback & call for new theme music

22:13 – Next show theme

Tasting Notes:

Bodegas Osborne, “Solaz”, Merlot (65%) Tempranillo (35%), 2006 ($9) – Garnet in color with aromas of black cherry, white pepper, licorice and vanilla. Bold plum and black cherry fruit with black pepper finishing with just a hint of bell pepper and moderate tannins. A very nice table wine for under $10.

13.5% ABV

Synthetic cork closure

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Buy this wine online: http://bit.ly/57N3Bo

Blackstone, Merlot, Sonoma Reserve 2007 ($20/sample) – Dark purple with aromas of black cherry, dark current and sage. Rich plum and dark cherry fruit with some mint finishing with supple tannins.

14.5% ABV

Natural cork closure

Rating: ★★★½☆

Buy this wine online: http://bit.ly/5kjSFZ

Raphael, Merlot, North Fork of Long Island 2001 ($25/750 ml/won in Menu for Hope raffle; tasted from 3L) – Deep garnet in color with aromas of black cherry, currant and mint. Rich black current and black cherry fruit with white pepper, bell pepper flavors finishing with moderate but well integrated tannins. Has structure for another 10 years in the cellar in this format. Outstanding Long Island Merlot that I would guess was from Bordeaux in a blind tasting.

12.5% ABV

Natural cork closure

Rating: ★★★★☆

Buy this wine online: http://bit.ly/6EXF5w

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