It seems like every time we see a tasting note on Merlot for the last 5 years or so, the writer feels the need to explain that even despite what the movies say, Merlot is a wonderful grape. So we’ll assume you’ve heard all that before, and focus on the wine: the 2005 Estate Merlot from Arbor Bench Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley. While Merlot works in the somewhat cooler regions of Bordeaux in France, in California it seems to do better in warm sites where the fruit can become ripe and lush, without any green flavors. This makes Dry Creek a wonderful place for Merlot, thanks to warm days and plenty of sunshine.
The 2005 Arbor Bench Merlot is ruby garnet in color. The nose offers lovely aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and vanilla, with intriguing notes of coffee, pomegranate, and pipe tobacco. The palate is fruit driven at this age, with raspberry, plum, and blackberry, and just a hint of caramel and pepper. Good acidity keeps things lively and fresh, with smooth tannin rounding out the finish and lingering on the tongue.
Arbor Bench has typically sold their grapes to various producers, but decided to start making some of their own wine to showcase what their vineyard has to offer. This inaugural effort shows that this site is capable of producing elegant, flavorful wines, and best of all, at affordable prices. At under $25, this is one to stock up on and enjoy with a wide range of cuisines; it is so balanced that it will pair well with almost anything, from roasted chicken, to grilled steak. A great value!
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92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers top pick.
90 Points
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. Generously oaked, with crushed blackberry, baked plums, baking spices, and Turkish fig. A supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, prune, with anise and light spice on the finish.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, and warm cassis with hints of cherry, black olive, currant and a touch of black pepper.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
94 Points
Aromas of cocoa mingle with notes of cassis, black cherry, blackberry coulis, graphite, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cedar. The palate is harmonious as the richness of barrel spice melds seamlessly with juicy plum, blackberry and licorice flavors. An incredibly polished texture, even at a young age. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
96 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spicy cola and black tea waft from the glass. The palate delivers all of that and then some, adding layers of fig jam, white peppercorn and baking spice. Firm juicy tannins and balanced acidity round it out.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
