Tasting - Rex Goliath Merlot

Name: Rex Goliath Merlot

Variety: Merlot

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2013

Price: $6.99

Wine Review: "I really love this wine. Soft, supple and complex. There is a certain elegance that fits my vision of the perfect Merlot: pretty and seductive with a decidedly spicy nose of black cherry, cassis and cedar. Very ripe and round, almost like a Jolly Rancher candy. Mouth-filling flavors of plums, cherries and wild red berries dominate from start to finish. The burst of juicy acidity paired with soft tannins make this 

a perfect match for game fowl, such as pheasant or duck. My preference is Rock Cornish game hen, if you can catch one!"

My Review: This was a full-bodied Merlot, with plenty of plums, blackberry jam, oak, and peppers on the nose and on the palate. There was a suede- leathery surface texture with tannins that accented the red-fruit components, most notably cherry. It had a grippy midpalate with a finish that was strong and smooth. I did not enjoy this with food, but this would pair very well with a roasted chicken topped with some cayenne peppers and thyme leaves. It was an enjoyable, inexpensive wine, but I don't know if it is one that I would buy again and again- Merlot is not my favorite.