2006 Malbec (2% merlot)
Violet.
Light pleasant on the nose but the merlot spoils the palate for me giving an acidy finish that time might help.
Arist series Meritage:
Cab forward 58% nice nose. Ruby colored. Very nice soft mouthfeel. The merlot 37% is very present on the finish.
Having some Boreal (Syrah with viognier) to clear my palate.
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Today (8/6) Brian Carter Cellars is releasing their 2005 Solesce and 2006 Abracadabra.
I did a side-by-side tasting of the 2004 and 2005 Solesce, and I was somewhat surprised by what I found. The two are very different –last year’s release (2004) has a lovely garnet color—the 2005, although the tasting notes call it garnet is really more of a brilliant ruby to my eye.
If I was to paint with a broad brush, I’d say that the ‘05 was softer & mellower … more silky/satiny than the ‘04 in most respects. Both have blackberry & cedar on the nose – the ‘05 just a touch softer feeling. On the palate, the ‘04 has chalky tannins that sit on the sides of my tongue – and that sort of acidy fruit-ness that I’ve come to associate with merlots & merlot-heavy blends (the ‘04 is 29% Merlot from Solstice Vineyards that sits at the middle of my tongue & the back of my mouth.
Here’s the surprise – the ‘05, although it has a bit more merlot (34%), again from Solstice Vineyards in Yakima Valley, doesn’t bring that acidy-ness that makes me not like merlot. It’s smooth … silky .. almost velvety mouth feel softens the merlot component and makes it a very enjoyable wine for me. The tannins are still a bit chalky – but the superb mouth feel makes them blend in … I’m happy.
I wonder how Brian Carter achieved it – looking at the analysis, I see the ‘05 actually is a bit more to the acid than the ‘04 (pH of 3.65 vs. 3.72) and has nearly a percent more alcohol - (14.7% vs. 13.8%). I need to learn more about how these numbers affect the palate. :0
The 2006 Abracadabra has been out for a bit – and I like it – especially the bacon notes in the nose. :) Maybe I’ll pair it with bacon-wrapped scallops or something. Or maybe bacon wrapped bacon. Hm.
