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A Contrarian View of Merlot, part III

Blackbird Continuing my kick about merlot that I started in earlier posts part I and part II, according to the indispensable book The Wine Lover's Companion by Ron and Sharon Herbst:

In French, the word Merlot means "young blackbird," probably alluding to the grape's beautiful dark-blue color.


Probably a little extra blackbird 'residuals' (stop me if I lose you with the technical terms) produces PetrusChateau Petrus, one of the world's most expensive red wines which is normally 100% merlot (with a little cab franc for good measure).  Consider that next time someone tries to beat you down with the over-used "Sideways" quote ...

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I am not a huge Merlot fan but there in an outrageously good Merlot to be had. The Duckhorn 2003 Three Palms Vineyard is a beautiful merlot. It's not inexpensive at $80, but a wine well worth the slurge for a special occasion. Try it...

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