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<channel>
	<title>Essex Wine Review &#187; Merlot</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.essexwinereview.com/tag/merlot/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.essexwinereview.com</link>
	<description>Reviewing 399 Wines From Lake Erie North Shore &#38; Pelee Island</description>
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		<title>Viewpointe Big Bluff 2006</title>
		<link>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2012/02/viewpointe-big-bluff-2006/</link>
		<comments>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2012/02/viewpointe-big-bluff-2006/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:08:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Viewpointe Estate Winery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Big Bluff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merlot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Petit Verdot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pinot Noir]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[red wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VQA Lake Erie North Shore]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.essexwinereview.com/?p=1886</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Winemaker&#8217;s Notes: Essex region Merlot, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot Stelvin cap VQA Lake Erie North Shore 13% alc./vol. Price: 750 mL $11.95 (available by the case only) 1.5L $15.95 (available by the bottle) Rate and review Viewpointe Big Bluff 2006]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Winemaker&#8217;s Notes:</strong><br />
Essex region Merlot, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot<br />
Stelvin cap</p>
<p><strong>VQA Lake Erie North Shore</strong><br />
13% alc./vol.</p>
<p><strong>Price:</strong><br />
750 mL $11.95 (available by the case only)<br />
1.5L $15.95 (available by the bottle)</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.essexwinereview.com/2012/02/viewpointe-big-bluff-2006/">Rate and review</a></strong> Viewpointe Big Bluff 2006</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Sanson Barn Cat 2006</title>
		<link>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2012/01/sanson-barn-cat-2006/</link>
		<comments>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2012/01/sanson-barn-cat-2006/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:46:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sanson Estate Winery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cabernet Franc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cabernet Sauvignon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merlot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NON VQA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pinot Noir]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[red wine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.essexwinereview.com/?p=1877</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Winemaker&#8217;s Notes: A medium/light colour suggests an easy-to-drink wine, which Barn Cat is, but at the same time, like an onion, you peel away the layers and there is much more there. The aroma’s lively and pleasing with cherry notes at the core and highlights of new leather, red licorice, and a touch of anise. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Winemaker&#8217;s Notes:</strong><br />
A medium/light colour suggests an easy-to-drink wine, which Barn Cat is, but at the same time, like an onion, you peel away the layers and there is much more there. The aroma’s lively and pleasing with cherry notes at the core and highlights of new leather, red licorice, and a touch of anise. These impressions are rounded out on the palate with some sweet vanilla/wood and a refreshing zest of acidity that lingers on a crisp finish. The mild tannins, the smooth mouth-feel … the pleasant bite on the finish. All indications point to a great wine drinking experience for the next few years to come. This guy is just the right weight and balance for a Berkshire chop or some spicy sausage right off the barbecue.</p>
<p>Barn Cat 2006 is a blend of these four grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir</p>
<p><strong>Non VQA</strong><br />
13.5 alc./vol.</p>
<p><strong>Price:</strong> 750 mL $16.95</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.essexwinereview.com/2012/01/sanson-barn-cat-2006/">Rate and review</a></strong> Sanson Barn Cat 2006</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Mastronardi Merlot Cabernet 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/11/mastronardi-merlot-cabernet-2008/</link>
		<comments>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/11/mastronardi-merlot-cabernet-2008/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:13:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mastronardi Estate Winery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cabernet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merlot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[red wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VQA Lake Erie North Shore]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.essexwinereview.com/?p=1818</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Winemaker&#8217;s Notes: The marriage of two noble varietals has created this wonderful wine of distinction, style and taste. Aromas are chocolate covered cherries with hints of vanilla. Flavours of ripe spicy berries shine through the lively tannins followed by a long finish. Enjoy with game, grilled fare and robust cheeses. VQA Lake Erie North Shore [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Winemaker&#8217;s Notes:</strong><br />
The marriage of two noble varietals has created this wonderful wine of distinction, style and taste.  Aromas are chocolate covered cherries with hints of vanilla.  Flavours of ripe spicy berries shine through the lively tannins followed by a long finish.  Enjoy with game, grilled fare and robust cheeses.</p>
<p><strong>VQA Lake Erie North Shore</strong><br />
13% alc./vol.</p>
<p><strong>Price:</strong> 750 mL ($19.95 + $2.59 tax) = $22.54</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/11/mastronardi-merlot-cabernet-2008/">Rate and review</a></strong> Mastronardi Merlot Cabernet 2008</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Pelee Island lighthouse Merlot 2010</title>
		<link>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/10/pelee-island-lighthouse-merlot-2010/</link>
		<comments>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/10/pelee-island-lighthouse-merlot-2010/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:49:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pelee Island Winery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lighthouse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merlot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[red wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VQA Ontario]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.essexwinereview.com/?p=1799</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wine Maker&#8217;s Tasting Note: Medium ruby red in colour; aromas of red and black cherry, subtle oak and ripe plum; medium-bodied, dry, with flavours of black cherry, currant, plum and light oak. Serving Suggestion: Roast beef with roasted root vegetables, moussaka. VQA Ontario 13.2% alc./vol. Price: 750 mL $12.95 Rate and review Pelee Island lighthouse [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Wine Maker&#8217;s Tasting Note:</strong><br />
Medium ruby red in colour; aromas of red and black cherry, subtle oak and ripe plum; medium-bodied, dry, with flavours of black cherry, currant, plum and light oak.</p>
<p><strong>Serving Suggestion:</strong><br />
Roast beef with roasted root vegetables, moussaka.</p>
<p><strong>VQA Ontario</strong><br />
13.2% alc./vol.</p>
<p><strong>Price:</strong> 750 mL $12.95</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/10/pelee-island-lighthouse-merlot-2010/">Rate and review</a></strong> Pelee Island lighthouse Merlot 2010</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Sprucewood Shores Hawk&#8217;s Flight Merlot Reserve 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/08/sprucewood-shores-hawks-flight-merlot-reserve-2008/</link>
		<comments>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/08/sprucewood-shores-hawks-flight-merlot-reserve-2008/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:21:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sprucewood Shores]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merlot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[red wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reserve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VQA Lake Erie North Shore]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.essexwinereview.com/?p=1753</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Winemaker&#8217;s Notes: A wonderful expression of Merlot that exhibits bold and intense licorice and plum notes. The mouthfeel is clean and full bodied with a dry finish. This wine is perfect for aging and will show it’s best in 2-3 years. VQA Lake Erie North Shore Released On: August 20th, 2011 Category: Dry Red Wine [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Winemaker&#8217;s Notes:</strong><br />
A wonderful expression of Merlot that exhibits bold and intense licorice and plum notes. The mouthfeel is clean and full bodied with a dry finish. This wine is perfect for aging and will show it’s best in 2-3 years.</p>
<p><strong>VQA Lake Erie North Shore</strong></p>
<p><strong>Released On:</strong> August 20th, 2011<br />
<strong>Category:</strong> Dry Red Wine<br />
<strong>Oaked:</strong> 20 months<br />
<strong>Blends:</strong> 100% Merlot<br />
<strong>Sugar:</strong> 0<br />
<strong>Serve At:</strong> 12°C (53.6°F) </p>
<p><strong>Price:</strong> 750 mL $24.95</p>
<p><strong>Rate and review</strong> Sprucewood Shores Hawk&#8217;s Flight Merlot Reserve 2008</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Cooper&#8217;s Hawk Cabernet Merlot 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/08/coopers-hawk-cabernet-merlot-2008/</link>
		<comments>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/08/coopers-hawk-cabernet-merlot-2008/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Aug 2011 14:04:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cooper's Hawk Vineyards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cabernet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cabernet Franc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merlot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[red wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VQA Lake Erie North Shore]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.essexwinereview.com/?p=1749</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Winemaker&#8217;s Notes: This 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot blend was aged 16 months in French oak barrels. The wine shows good concentration of both fruit and colour with blackberry, vanilla and spice on the palate. VQA Lake Erie North Shore 14% alc./vol Price: 750 mL $17.95 Rate and review Cooper&#8217;s Hawk Cabernet Merlot 2008]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Winemaker&#8217;s Notes:</strong><br />
This 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot blend was aged 16 months in French oak barrels. The wine shows good concentration of both fruit and colour with blackberry, vanilla and spice on the palate. </p>
<p><strong>VQA Lake Erie North Shore</strong><br />
14% alc./vol</p>
<p><strong>Price:</strong> 750 mL $17.95</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/08/coopers-hawk-cabernet-merlot-2008/">Rate and review</a></strong> Cooper&#8217;s Hawk Cabernet Merlot 2008</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Smith &amp; Wilson Rondeau Red 2009</title>
		<link>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/07/smith-wilson-rondeau-red-2009/</link>
		<comments>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/07/smith-wilson-rondeau-red-2009/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:02:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Smith & Wilson Wines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cabernet Franc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gamay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gamay Noir]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merlot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[red wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smith and Wilson Estate Wines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VQA Ontario]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.essexwinereview.com/?p=1702</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Winemaker&#8217;s Notes: One of our flagship wines, Rondeau is a simple, tasty, unoaked Gamay/merlot blend with hints of black pepper and cinnamon. Pleasant Pairings: Rondeau works beautifully with grilled and charred foods, black olives, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. VQA Ontario 11% alc./vol. Price: 750 mL $13 Rate and review Smith &#038; Wilson Rondeau Red 2009]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Winemaker&#8217;s Notes:</strong><br />
One of our flagship wines, Rondeau is a simple, tasty, unoaked Gamay/merlot blend with hints of black pepper and cinnamon. Pleasant Pairings: Rondeau works beautifully with grilled and charred foods, black olives, mushrooms, and fresh herbs.</p>
<p><strong>VQA Ontario</strong><br />
11% alc./vol.<br />
<strong>Price:</strong> 750 mL $13</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/07/smith-wilson-rondeau-red-2009/">Rate and review</a></strong> Smith &#038; Wilson Rondeau Red 2009</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Sprucewood Shores Lady in Red 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/06/sprucewood-shores-lady-in-red-2008/</link>
		<comments>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/06/sprucewood-shores-lady-in-red-2008/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:36:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sprucewood Shores]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cabernet Sauvignon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merlot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[red wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VQA Lake Erie North Shore]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.essexwinereview.com/?p=1690</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Winemaker&#8217;s Notes: A complex wine with bright cherry and blackberry compliments a dry finish. Perfect with food. Nice nose, Good legs, Great Body! VQA Lake Erie North Shore Alc/Vol: 13% Blends: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Price: 750 mL $14.95 Rate and review Sprucewood Shores Lady in Red 2008]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Winemaker&#8217;s Notes:</strong><br />
A complex wine with bright cherry and blackberry compliments a dry finish. Perfect with food.<br />
Nice nose, Good legs, Great Body!</p>
<p><strong>VQA Lake Erie North Shore</strong></p>
<p>Alc/Vol: 13%<br />
<strong>Blends:</strong> Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon</p>
<p><strong>Price:</strong> 750 mL $14.95</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/06/sprucewood-shores-lady-in-red-2008/">Rate and review</a></strong> Sprucewood Shores Lady in Red 2008</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Sprucewood Shores Meritage 2007</title>
		<link>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/04/sprucewood-shores-meritage-2007/</link>
		<comments>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/04/sprucewood-shores-meritage-2007/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:37:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sprucewood Shores]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cabernet Franc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cabernet Sauvignon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merlot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[red wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VQA Lake Erie North Shore]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.essexwinereview.com/?p=1615</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Winemaker&#8217;s Notes: Brilliant! Full bodied and delicious this wine offers the palate a rich variation of flavors to explore. The bright aromas of red licorice and cherry reflect in a wine exhibiting great balance amongst fruit, acid, tannin, and body. The mid palate is lush and hints at black cherry, with an excellent finish that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Winemaker&#8217;s Notes:</strong><br />
Brilliant! Full bodied and delicious this wine offers the palate a rich variation of flavors to explore. The bright aromas of red licorice and cherry reflect in a wine exhibiting great balance amongst fruit, acid, tannin, and body. The mid palate is lush and hints at black cherry, with an excellent finish that lingers on the tongue and in the mind. Enjoy.</p>
<p><strong>Blends:</strong><br />
40% Cabernet Sauvignon<br />
30% Cabernet Franc<br />
30% Merlot</p>
<p><strong>VQA Lake Erie North Shore</strong><br />
13% alc./vol.<br />
<strong>Sugar Code:</strong> 0</p>
<p><strong>Price:</strong> 750 mL $21.95</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/04/sprucewood-shores-meritage-2007/">Rate and review</a></strong> Sprucewood Shores Meritage 2007</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pelee Island Merlot Reserve 2009</title>
		<link>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/04/pelee-island-merlot-reserve-2009/</link>
		<comments>http://www.essexwinereview.com/2011/04/pelee-island-merlot-reserve-2009/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:47:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pelee Island Winery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merlot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[red wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VQA Ontario]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zweigelt]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.essexwinereview.com/?p=1599</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Winemaker&#8217;s Notes: These grapes were left on the vine until early October. This wine would be excellent slightly chilled and served with a beef or lamb dish. A superb choice for the summer BBQ or dinner table. GRAPES: 85% Merlot, 15% Zweigelt ALCOHOL: 13.5% RESIDUAL SUGAR: 3.0 g/L SUGAR CODE: (0) Price: 750 mL $12.95 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Winemaker&#8217;s Notes:</strong><br />
These grapes were left on the vine until early October. </p>
<p>This wine would be excellent slightly chilled and served with a beef or lamb dish. A superb choice for the summer BBQ or dinner table. </p>
<p><strong>GRAPES:</strong> 85% Merlot, 15% Zweigelt<br />
<strong>ALCOHOL:</strong> 13.5%<br />
<strong>RESIDUAL SUGAR:</strong> 3.0 g/L<br />
<strong>SUGAR CODE:</strong> (0)</p>
<p><strong>Price:</strong> 750 mL $12.95</p>
<p><strong>Rate and review</strong> Pelee Island Merlot Reserve 2009</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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