Tasting Notes: 2006 Merlot

In honor of the nationwide Twitter Event on Mar. 25th, 5-7 pm discussing Washington State Merlots, we thought we'd entice you with a description of ours...

Notes from the Winemaker...

“Tumultuous” is a great word except in Scrabble where, not only is it worth nothing given all those silly vowels, but also the likelihood of someone plunking down “tumult” to allow the opportunity for you to add “-uous” is miniscule. No, in Scrabble you need words like “lynx”, “quash” and “zygote”. However, “tumultuous” is a great word when used to describe the kind of things going on in certain areas of my life; but more on that in later correspondence.

For now, let us speak of Merlot.

In my opinion, Merlot is the most feminine of wines. Such a statement cries out for explanation and expansion; a task which – understanding as I do the recklessness of such an endeavor – I wholeheartedly take up. For instance, I only have to say that Merlot is often under-appreciated and frequently misunderstood, and I have already described the situation of most women I know. I can go further and say that in many instances, Merlot is approached in a very superficial and prejudicial way as a wine that has very little in the way of seriousness and gravitas; especially if it has any prettiness to it whatsoever. Tell me that doesn’t ring a bell for the women in my audience…Merlot has a softness to it and a generosity to add to its round and appealing structure; none of which should be thought to detract in any way from its strength, depth and power. It is possible to enjoy and appreciate them in a straightforward, perfunctory way, but a little time and patient attention is rewarded by an opening up of the thrilling complexity contained within; it simply isn’t going to give itself all at once. And if all those descriptions are not feminine virtues, then I don’t know what are.

In the same way that no woman really wants to be placed on a pedestal and simply admired – they are wise enough to know that pedestal balancing is too precarious, a message many men could learn from – this 2006 Merlot is to be simply enjoyed and appreciated for all of its qualities; some of which I will describe right now.

First, I should point out that of all of the Merlots I have made – not just at Lone Canary but other places who shall remain nameless – this is the first to be blended as 100% varietal. The fruit was grown at the Willard Family Vineyard in Prosser, Groth Vineyards in Alder Ridge and Ciel du Cheval Vineyard.

In the nose, it presents notes of black cherry, blackberry and dried plum with some enticing notes of black tea, licorice and earth. On the palate, there is much to offer in its lovely lush texture, gentle silky tannins and flavors of blackberry, pie cherry, dark chocolate and spice. A wine not only delicious but both inviting and mysterious at the same time, which as you know is more than can be said of the winemaker.

171 cases made

Mike Scott
Winemaker
Lone Canary Winery
mscott@lonecanary.com