As for the Foxhorn Vineyards Merlot from last week... I was pleasantly surprised! I was sad to see that it was first of all impossible to open the bottle without destroying the lovely fox around the neck, and that furthermore the top was one of those that has a plastic cap and a small cork that goes down inside the bottle. Easy to open maybe, but not very aesthetic. At about $8 for 1.5 Liters It's a great value and I was expecting it to have the harsh finish that raises it's ugly head in even some of the "best" merlot. It simply wasn't there! The flavor was not terribly complex, but neither was it offensive. After a few glasses I was singing all the Irish tunes I could remember, and then after a few more I was started on gospel songs. I split the bottle with my friend who has a problem with sulfites and decided he was going to push on bravely anyway. He had a terrible hangover and splitting headache that he has had up until just an hour or so ago. I was fine. Were it not for the fact that this guy is pretty much my only drinking buddy at the moment I would certainly buy another bottle or two for the flavor and economy of it.


My only problem with this wine aside from the complaints of my friend was the lack of complexity. Better merlot have been aged in the barrel long enough to take on the character of the oak. An old merlot has all kinds of character. It will never become a shining star no matter how long you let it sit in the cask if it was grown on poor soil in some sprawling sea of highly efficient new vines, or gathered with grapes from several locations of varying ripeness. This however clearly started with good grapes, but dubious aging process. There is no year to be found on the bottle, my guess is this is 2008. In short, this is a new wine. If you've already had a nice bottle or two and you wanna finish off the night with something that isn't going to break the bank, and is hard to turn your nose up at, this is the perfect buy.

On a side note, the Gatão Vino Verde... At $7 for 750ml, I just had to buy another bottle. My drinking partner was fully behind the decision. I'm nearly finished my first glass and typing this just fine (I hope). At %9 alcohol it makes the perfect wine for deep conversations early in the evening or as the first course of a meal is served. Very refreshing. I know I already sung it's praises but with a second bottle bought I just have to say it again, it's a fantastic wine. I should be spending my money on new animal themed wines to review.... and I have!

Next up for review is The Wolftrap Syrah Mourvédere Viognier. Beautiful simplistic woodcut of a wolf on the label. From South-Africa which is actually starting up a very very respectable wine industry in the past few decades as far as the global market is concerned. I don't have any experience to prepare me for this bottle though because it is what it is, a red wine that does not claim to be a Merlot, or a Cabernet, or a Shiraz. It is what it is, a red wine with a blend of three different grapes (those three words after Wolftrap which I am not going to type again) so I'll just wait and see what unfolds when I try it tomorrow night, though I may have to sneak a taste tonight and hope not much is lost overnight in the fridge once I open it. Those bottle of Gatão go quick. Sadly my drinking buddy probably won't be able to join me properly attacking the bottle of Wolftrap because of his sulfite issue but at 750ml I should be up for the job.