181 Merlot 2008

Lodi, California, United States
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Natalie's Score: 89/100 Community Score: 4.3/5 Community Reviews: 4 Add My Review Product #: 226530 Wine Type: Red Wine	Price: $16.95 Alcohol: 14% Drink: 2009-2015 Sweetness: Extra Dry Bottle size: 750 ml Winery: 181 Agent: Select Wine Merchants Inc.

Note: I publish batches of reviews that I call Good Values Wine Picks. These are from the regular section of the liquor store rather than the Vintages section, and tend to be lower priced and the most widely available of all wines. The last four reviews I did were: March 7, January 4, December 16 and November 20.

Tasting note:

This Bordeaux-style Merlot offers lovely aromas of black cherry, plums and vanilla smoke. There's a sumptuous, full-bodied weight and texture on the palate that finishes with lovely spicy cedar. The clone for this wine originates in the Pomerol region of Bordeaux, but it's thriving in its Lodi, California Clay Station Vineyard, where the soils are also red and produce extravagantly luscious Merlots. Perfect for barbecues and potluck gatherings. This wine will be available via Vintages in August 2011. Food matches: grilled pork chops, pepper steak.

Reviewed May 8, 2011 by Natalie MacLean

More Reviews

Opinions about wine differ greatly as the experience is subjective. You may find it helpful to compare this critical evaluation of the wine with mine as well as your own:

Dan Trcka rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

The 181 Merlot 2010, sourced from the Lodi Valley and made in Bordeaux style, has intense aromas of toasted oak, black cherry liqueur, blackberry faint pine needle notes. It is medium bodied, fruity, has good acidity, refined tannins (decant for 15 min) and a medium, silky finish. It can be drunk by itself or with food; good to drink now, but will be in its prime from 2015-2020. My opinion: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89-90 pts – recommended due to its value. Tasted March/13.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections

Taylor rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

It tastes much like other reds from the hot, arid Lodi Valley: ripe, soft tannins but decently high acidity. Also not as slutty as other reds from Lodi. Full-bodied with raspberry, smoky cedar, black cherry, sweet chocolate and a finish that begs for another sip. Nicely done. $15.