Beringer Merlot – Above Average Taste and Price
Written: Oct 24 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: One of the Best CA Merlot available
Cons: It cost 80.00
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| stonehousellc's Full Review: Beringer Merlot Howell Mountain Brancroft Ranch 19... |
Few things could ever get me to drop $75.00 (retail) on a bottle of domestic Merlot. Unfortunately, one of them is that my Mother loves Merlot and in particular she loves this Merlot. That being said, I trollied down to the local Wine Merchant and grabbed a bottle before heading to her house for dinner.
My Mother is one of the most capable cooks in the entire world. She is accomplished in fine Southern cuisine (fried chicken, fried okra, fried corn, etc) as well as being truly skilled in most other styles. On this particular evening she was flashing her abilities in Cuban fare. For those who have never indulged in Cuban cooking – well you have missed one of the most exciting and flavorful cuisines known to man. More Continental than most any style in this hemisphere, Cuba owes at least a nod of gratitude to Spain and big hearty thank you to the special gifts of the Caribbean.
For this evening she prepared one of her specialties: Lamb Shanks braised in wine and served with rice and Very Young Early Peas in gravy. This is a hearty dish learned from one of Nashville’s finest chefs over thirty years ago. We, as a community, were blessed with a large group of Cuban refugees in the earliest flights from Castro – as well as welcoming many from each subsequent exodus.
I chose to pair this dish with the Beringer Merlot not only because my Mother loves it, but also because it is a wine generally well suited to big, hearty stews and one-dish meals.
The wine itself is dark and full, almost black. The nose and mouth are filled with dark berries and licorice and the slightest hint of vanilla. It plays well against the hodgepodge of flavors present in most lamb or pork based stews and casseroles. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this wine for such a meal, due entirely to cost. The evening was a success only because my Mother really loves this wine. For myself, I could have bought a half case of very nice Pinot Noir or at the very least a couple of bottles of a nice Cabernet Sauvignon for the same money.
Sometimes you just gotta please Momma.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
stonehousellc
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Location: Nashville, TN
Reviews written: 90
Trusted by: 107 members
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