Wine Notes - February 7th

Over this past week, we here in CBF Maryland have experienced two epic snowstorms. Luckily both have come with plenty of warning, so I had time to plan menus to compliment the atmosphere.

We've enjoyed hamburgers, nachos, and Mom-Mom's meat sauce with shells (I'll put that recipe out there another time). But on Super Bowl Sunday we dug into roast chicken with pancetta and olives, along with homemade fries and salad, and MAN was it a happy meal - and not just because both girls enjoyed what is really a grown-up dinner. The best part (not for the girls, obviously) was the amazing Merlot JBL unearthed - Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Indian Wells 2007. "This is what Merlot should taste like," he said. And he was right.

What does Merlot mean to me? Obviously there is fruit. There is a hint of tannin, but just a hint. Unlike his heavy-handed, over-the-top friend Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is a more subtle offering. He is the quiet intellectual friend of the flashy frat boy, though not quite the sensitive artist (Pinot Noir). He is the one you discover is secretly way more attractive than the rest. He has warm vanilla overtones and remarkable spice. He is round and creamy, wears the best sweaters and the coolest jeans. He is the one you really want to snuggle with next to a fire on a cold winter's night. He'll bring you roses and write you poetry - but HOT poetry. He has enough acid to bite through any fat offered in the chicken dish, but will buttress mild but complex flavors like the best wing man. He can be enjoyed either with or without food. If you know what I mean. Other than Syrah, he is the ideal red. I'm duplicitous like that.

So search out this fine offering and serve it with poultry or pasta with a complex sauce, with a cheese course or with nothing at all in front of a roaring fire with someone you want to make out with. If nothing else you need to experience a Merlot this good once in your life. Go ahead and indulge...