2006 Twomey Merlot

As readers of this blog know, I am not the world's biggest fan of merlot.  However, there are two exceptions:  Northstar and Twomey.

I first tried Twomey Merlot when we were in Napa a few years back for the Silver Oak Cabernet release party.  Twomey is a Silver Oak label.

This is really a great wine.  I rarely find it on wine lists but happened upon it today at Perry's Steakhouse in Dallas.  My dad - the merlot fan - really loved it.

If you like merlot, you will LOVE this wine.  If you think you're not a merlot drinker but love red wine, give this a try.  I bet you'll like it.  

Tasting notes:

Grapes for our Twomey Merlot come exclusively from our Soda Canyon Ranch in southeastern Napa Valley. This vineyard’s rolling hills of volcanic soils are tightly planted with French Merlot clones, selected for their low yield of small, intensely flavored berries. In this mild climate, tempered by cool breezes and morning fog, Merlot ripens slowly and develops a rich black-fruit character and extraordinary complexity.


Price: $50

Heitz Cellars 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Lunch with the family today at Perry's Steakhouse in Dallas.  You typically can't go wrong with either a 2007 Napa Cab or Heitz Cellars so this was a win-win bottle.  My brother had never had a Heitz Cellars wine and he was really impressed.  This is a great wine and well worth the price.  The perfect wine with a nice filet. 

From the winemaker:

Tasting Notes: Our 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet is a stunning wine from the popular 2007 vintage. Unquestionably a Heitz Wine Cellars cabernet, this is a classic wine of finesse and elegance – beautiful now and structured to age gracefully for years to come.

The rich varietal aroma leads to delicious flavors of dark cherry with notes of spicy plum. A generous core of cabernet fruit is nicely integrated with refreshing acidity and just the right touch of oak. This wine is silky in texture, building momentum as it crosses the palate to a lovely, lingering finish.  

Price: $45-50

Monticello Vineyards 2009 Jefferson Cuvee Cabernet

Received a bottle of Corley Family Monticello Cab from a friend for Christmas.  This label is from the 2008 but we actually drank the 2009 over the holidays.  It was a very good every day wine.  

I was not familiar with this winery so it was great to discover something new!  I was surprised to find such a smooth wine given the age.  Here are the tasting notes from the winemaker:

This wine has nice dark notes on the nose and palate. The aromas start with nice smoky berry aromas and open up further with coffee and dark chocolate. On the palate the wine is big and full bodied yet it displays a wonderful level of balance and elegance. The tannins are nicely refined and frame the wines generous mid-palate very well. The finish is medium long and has nice lingering effect.

Drink Now through 2022.

Price range - $30-40