Meeker 2008 Handprint Merlot

After recently tasting this delicious Merlot blend while at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival during a beverage seminar, my friends and I were very impressed. No one more so than Meredith, who drinks exclusively white wine but loved this red. Thanks to Meredith, I got to enjoy Meeker Handprint Merlot again this weekend when she brought it along while coming for a visit.

Lucas Meeker, who is the winemaker, son of the label's founder, and the presenter at our seminar, described this as a "cab-lover's Merlot." While explaining how the wine is made, he said that they taste and reblend repeatedly until perfected using mostly Merlot grapes, but also use Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. When the wine is bottled, one of the three Meeker winemakers puts his hand print on every bottle using acrylic paint.

This wine is fruity, but also complex and spicy. It is oaky and a little acidic with a very dry finish. With an alcohol content over 14%, Handprint is a well balanced Cabernet that would be paired well with beef and steak. Meredith rates this wine a 9 out of 10 and said she loved it just as much the second time around. I gave it an 8.5, and think that it needed to breath a little longer than we let it, but still enjoyed this delightful Bourdeaux-style Merlot blend. It is a must-try.

2010 J. V. Fleury Cotes du Rhone

 

This wine really gets your attention! It was recommended by my favorite sales associate at Total Wine, when I told her that I wanted to try a French white. She looked at my basket full of Bordeaux and did not hesitate to pick this one. This light-colored wine smells and initially tastes fruity (apricot), but has a very dry finish reminiscent of a red wine. All you red wine lovers out there need to give this one a shot. It is made with 100% Vigonier grapes by a vineyard established in 1781 in the northern Rhone valley. It pairs well with seafood and cheese - pass the Roquefort!

Campo Vieja Tempranillo Reserva 2007

 

This is a peppery and smooth wine, with minimal tannins. Fruit (cherry) and a slight oaky taste are also prevalent in this complex blend. Pairings with strong cheese (think Manchego) or steak would perfectly compliment this Spanish red. According to the label, it is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Manzuelo grapes. This is a perfect wine for cookouts and would also compliment lamb very well, but I can't help reminiscing of the Argentina booth at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival - beef empanadas and a steak skewer. Tapas anyone?