Reviews & Ratings

2005 Matthiasson Merlot "Red Hen Vineyard"

Winery: Matthiasson

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Red Hen Vineyard"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 100% Merlot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $75

Cases produced: 70

KWG Score: 93 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)

Review date: February 5, 2009

Wine Review: This Merlot rocks! This very dark purple Merlot is serious juice. It opens with a blackberry like bouquet with hints of beet and spice. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, smooth, and elegant with delicious plum flavors. There is a touch of ripe black cherry and dark chocolate mixed in as well on the back palate. The finish is dry and initially subtle. However on day 2 the finish was present and nicely prolonged. It seems the wine needed a little air to completely bring out it peak performance. In conclusion, this is a terrific Merlot that you should enjoy with veal medallions in a thick brown sage sauce or with a NY State strip steak smothered with sautéed onion and mushrooms. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The wine is 100 percent Merlot from block 3C of the Red Hen Vineyard. The wine is very structured, more cabernet like, but has the richness and aromatic profile of Merlot. The vineyard is known for strong cherry and chocolate aromas, and it is balanced by notes of tea and earth.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Matthiasson 2005 Red Hen Merlot.