Norm's Tasting Notes: 2013 Vanderbilt Reserve Merlot

Norm’s Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

normwine@bellsouth.net

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2013 Vanderbilt Reserve Dry Creek Valley Merlot

#nb-43-15

The Biltmore folks in North Carolina are producing some pretty good California wines in small quantity under the name Vanderbilt Reserve Wines. Their 2013 Dry Creek Merlot production is a modest eight hundred cases, but worth investigating if you can find it at your local retailer.

The wine is a dark ruby red in color, and looks, as well as tastes more like a Cab than a Merlot. It is deep and complex in nature, with a rich cherry flavor highlighted by plum and just a hint of blackberry. There are moderate tannins imparted by fifteen months in the barrel, and the alcohol content is 14.5%. It finishes strong with the oak complemented by a lingering cherry presence.

We paired the Vanderbilt Reserve Merlot with a thick juicy New York strip hot off the grill, and an avocado and tomato salad. It was excellent. Norm’s score is 89.

price: $24 - $29

score - 89

Norm

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