I like half bottles. They are perfect in a restaurant in that you get about 2 1/2 good size glasses out of them. And at home they are perfect for enjoying with a meal, nothing left over, not that finishing a bottle has even been a difficult task 🙂 The price point on half bottles also means you can try something for a lower entry price. I have been caught more than once though reading through a review thinking I have found the bargain of the century only to discover when I get to the LCBO that it is a half bottle. So you need to watch out for these.
This one got a good write up so I decided to try it. The wine is deep garnet in color. Mild on the nose. On the mid pallet there are some sublte Merlot flavors. And then the finish … it is quite alcoholic and burning on the throat. This builds as you sip. With food this is less noticeable but still there. Maybe this is what the reviewer called “lively acidity”. I would give this an 87-88 or so.
From the LCBO web site:
RUTHERFORD HILL MERLOT 2002 Napa Valley Tasting Note: A very tasty and rich merlot that would match a range of grilled food. Plenty of lift on the nose with concentrated black cherry plum and chocolate. Very pure aromatics without the contrived character of many merlot wines. Good fruit depth and balance on the palate with dark berry chocolate and leather enveloped in creamy oak and lively acidity. Impressive structure and length. Best 2005-2010. Score – 90. (Jefferson Davis Wine Access ‘First In Line E-Report’ Sept. 2005) 948935 $15.95
Featured 6/24/2006
