Inniskillin Merlot Reserve 2020

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose black cherries, plumbs and black tea. In the mouth not very structured, with a bitter finish. The aftertaste is short.

This Merlot based wine is made by Inniskillin, Canada’s first estate winery. Although established only in 1975, it is the oldest continuously operating winery in Canada. Continue reading “Inniskillin Merlot Reserve 2020”

Château Mouton Rothschild 1975

The colour is medium tawny, still clear and lively. On the nose mandarins, cooked black fruits, mushrooms. In the mouths silky and well balanced. The aftertaste is savoury and last for a while.

For this bottle I had very low expectations: 1975 was a tough vintage and the wine level in this bottle was barely mid-shoulder. I was afraid it wasn’t drinkable. Instead, what a surprise! The wine was not only drinkable but even enjoyable! Continue reading “Château Mouton Rothschild 1975”

Teperberger Inspire Meritage 2019

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose very fruity. Blackberries, plums, cherries, and pomegranate. In the mouth medium body, round and silky, with smooth tannins and a nice acidity. The aftertaste is pretty long and chocolate tasting.

This Bordeaux-style wine is made by Teperberger winery by blending 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot grapes. Continue reading “Teperberger Inspire Meritage 2019”

Giusto di Notri 2013

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose quite opulent: black cherries, cassis, dark chocolate, leather, among other aromas. In the mouth fresh with a good structure. The aftertaste is a bit bitter and last less than you would expect.

Giusto di Notri 2013 is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. It is made by Tua Rita winery under the Toscana Rosso IGT denomination. Continue reading “Giusto di Notri 2013”

Terre Alte 2020

The colour is pale straw. On the nose pears, white peaches, orange peels and white flowers. In the mouth grapey and refreshing. The aftertaste is medium long.

This wine is made with 100% Merlot grapes vinified off the skins.

White Merlot del Ticino was born in 1986, when a local Cooperative, faced with chronic grapes’ oversupply, decided to produce a white wine. Other producers followed suit. Nowadays the share of Merlot grapes vinified in white in Ticino is more than 30% of the total production.

Merlot is the main grape of Canton Ticino, where it has been imported from France for experimental purposes at the beginning of the 20th century, during the post-phylloxera period.

Currently Merlot covers about 80% of the planted area in a Canton with some 3’600 grape growers and 200 or so winemakers. Approximately 1’000 hectares are devoted to viticulture.

White Merlot is not my kind of wine. Nevertheless, I find this exemplar made by Gialdi a pleasant Apero wine.

I bought this bottle at the winery for 16 CHF.

Country: Switzerland
Region: Ticino
Grapes: Merlot
Type: White
Vintage: 2020
Producer: Gialdi
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5

Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2010

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose at first muted. After some time, white chocolate, cheddar, mocha, charcoal. In the mouth gripping, but elegant tannins.  This wine has a very solid structure and (hopefully) a great potential, but needs a lot more time cellaring before being able to express its full personality. Despite its youth, this wine presents a very harmonious character. The aftertaste is long. Continue reading “Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2010”

Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1982

The colour is deep ruby, intense and bright. Despite the 40 years of age, it is only slightly turning into garnet. On the nose surprisingly fruity, mainly red cherries. After some time, the bouquet turns more towards cigar box kind of aromas. In the mouth very smooth. The tannins are ultra-fine. The aftertaste is very pleasant and very long. Continue reading “Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1982”

Mustiaio Governo 2018

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose red fruits, such as red cherries, raspberries and strawberries. In the mouth simple but balanced and enjoyable. The aftertaste is short but pleasant.

Mustiaio Governo is made with a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah by Mustiaio winery, located in the Maremma region of Tuscany. Continue reading “Mustiaio Governo 2018”

Dròmos 2011

The colour is medium Ruby, turning into garnet. On the nose black cherries and prunes. In the mouth lighter than you would expect, with a slightly bitter finish. The aftertaste is medium long. Although still enjoyable, I think this wine has passed its prime.

Dròmos is made by Poggio Verrano under the Costa Toscana IGT. It is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Alicante Bouschet, 10% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc. Continue reading “Dròmos 2011”

Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1989

The colour is deep ruby and bright, only slightly turning into garnet. On the nose cigar box, pencil shavings, spices. After some time, the bouquet turns fruitier, with blueberries, black cherries and black berries coming on stage. In the mouth very elegant, almost light. The tannins are silky. Despite the 37 years of age, this wine is still very fresh. The aftertaste is pleasantly fruity and, although subtle, it lasts for a long time. Continue reading “Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1989”