Ella Valley Vineyards Merlot
Last Updated: June 11, 2009
| Product Id: | 379 |
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| Varietal: | Merlot |
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| Type: | Dry |
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| Alc/Vol: | 14.5% |
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| Color: | Red |
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| Kosher: | Yes |
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| Mevushal: | No |
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General Information
Produced from 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this estate bottled red is harvested from vines within the northern slopes of the Ella Valley Vineyards. Aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, Ella Valley Merlot exudes concentrated notes of berries with layered fruit flavors, concluding in a velvety, smooth finish.
User Reviews
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87 points
by
Scott Shu (3 reviews)
Not a New World Fruit Bomb
This is a merlot with understated fruit and an interesting smokey/bitter component on the finish. On the palate is black cherry, hints of bell pepper, with some hints of smoked meat on the finish. As it opened up it gained some minty notes and hints of tobacco.
It has a nice texture, with fine tannins, but the alcohol is definitely felt. I would brand it more of a European style Merlot than New World, except for the alchohol level. Overall very nice merlot that is not too ripe and with some interesting, not unpleasant bitter components.
Submitted: 7/19/09
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90 points
by
just another novice (3 reviews)
2/09 Forward red berries with moderate spicey oak and a bit of musky earth. Very nice, even elegant.
Submitted: 2/8/09
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70 points
by
Michael Fleischhacker (47 reviews)
This is a nice dry wine, but not quite as full bodied as expected. It does have a full aftertaste. And although there is a slight acidic taste, it is offset by the right combination of fruit and oak flavor. I have had better merlots at lower prices, but this wine is enjoyable.
Submitted: 8/24/08
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70 points
by
Greg R (64 reviews)
Nice bottle, quality but still too young, deep garnet, with a very tannic, almost hot finish. Will be interesting to try again in a year or so.
Submitted: 6/30/08
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80 points
by
Gavriel (24 reviews)
Full-bodied, firmly structured with dark black cherry, berry, anise and spice flavors that stand up nicely to the firm tannins and moderate oak influences.
Submitted: 12/20/07
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90 points
by
Toke-Dawg (18 reviews)
Very dark purple in color, almost similar to the color you might expect from a Shiraz. Deep, deep plummy, berryish aroma. Full body with generous tannins that show that it has aging potential. Toasty peppery finish from the 14 months that it spent in French oak. Very robust and complex, shows the potential of Merlot when not dumbed down. Well balanced. Another winner from Ella Valley.
Submitted: 9/10/07
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50 points
by
miriam@lawrencekramer.com (4 reviews)
Full bodied tannic, good if not had with other wines at the same sitting. Otherwise, it tastes too sharp.
Submitted: 11/1/06
