Wine Wednesday - 2011 Da Da Da... Merlot

Ah, Merlot, how have I grown to explore what you have to offer. My initial knowledge was of Merlot as a blending grape but now know that it can be a stand alone varietal (thanks Nickel & Nickel!). Others have shunned you in the past decade due to the comments in Sideways, but sales have finally recovered in North America.

Da Da Da... by Robin Langton is a Naked Wine Ashley and I got a few shipments back and was pretty darn tasty. It wasn't spectacular but for the price point was a pretty solid choice.

2011 Da Da Da... Merlot, Lodi

Much lighter in color than you'd expect from a Merlot, nice purple color. Short legs.

Light red berry fruit on the nose, cranberry and strawberry, with a hint of herbs and cut grass, almost musky.

Very fruit forward on the palate, tangy cherry but lacked the ripeness. Slightly rough bitters mid-palate but finished smooth.

Good Merlot for the price point and for those new to the varietal. Would have again in another shipment of Naked Wines.

Cost: $8