Here's the deal, gang. I'm
just not much of a Merlot drinker. In
other words, Merlot is simply not my cup
of tea. And let me be clear, Merlot, it's
me, Babe, not you. As I've said before,
I like an assertive red wine. One that
smacks me around a bit. Takes me by the
collar (or tongue, as the case may be)
and shakes me. In short, if I could take
only one wine to the proverbial island,
it would be a Zinfandel.
All of which is to say that
I have, in all likelihood, been somewhat
remiss in my ETFOFW picks. Based on the
wine drinking preferences of friends,
family, associates and the general population,
Merlot appears to be quite the favorite.
And, as ETFOFW is for the people and,
on occasion, by the people, I decided
it was high time I went Merloting.
And, with the hot throes
of summer coming on, I thought we would
all appreciate a cool, white wine. So,
I've also picked an easy to drink, summer
sipping Chardonnay.
Cheers!
I
had heard good things about this Rabbit
Ridge Merlot, and I am happy to report
all true, all true. If you like Merlot,
you should definitely like this wine.
A lively red that was very easy to drink
with dewberry and black cherry flavors.
This is ready to drink right now, and
is one of those no-brainer kinds of wines.
Just pop the cork and serve with your
favorite on-the-spicy-side foods. Rings
up at about $8.
Wine: Rabbit Ridge 1998
California Merlot Barrel Cuvee
Varietal: Merlot
Price: Around $8
Availability: National distribution
Much
like the Rabbit Ridge Merlot, this wine
has good buzz. A smooth Chardonnay with
pear, honey, and vanilla flavors. But
still on the light side; not a heavy,
buttery Chardonnay. Ready to drink right
now. Perfect with grilled salmon, and
definitely a bargain at around $9. By
the way, while I'm thinking about it,
here's a quick Chardonnay tip: don't serve
it ice cold. If you've kept it in the
fridge, let it warm up just a bit before
drinking. It gives the wine a chance to
really come into its own. The flavors
and aromas open up, and it becomes more
than a cold thirst quencher.
Wine: Columbia Crest 1998
Estate Series Chardonnay
Varietal: Chardonnay
Price: Around $9
Availability: National distribution
To everyone who has sent me an ETFOFW
suggestion -- you rock! As for the
rest of you, what's the dealio? Let me
know about your favorite ETFOFW. Just
drop us a line at editor@wineskinny.com.
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