Reviews & Ratings

2008 Merriam Vineyards Red Blends or Varietals "SNED Red"

Winery: Merriam Vineyards

Vintage: 2008

Wine Name/Vineyard: "SNED Red"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon & 25% Petit Verdot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Sonoma County

State or country: CA

Price: $16

Cases produced: 462

KWG Score: 85.5 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Good (86)

Review date: January 29, 2011

Wine Review: If you are looking for an interesting barbecue wine, give this red blend from Merriam Vineyards a try. It is opaque and very dark purple colored. It opens with a very fragrant smoky oak bouquet with hints of black raspberry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and a tad rustic. The flavor profile is a smoky oak infused black cherry with notes of dark chocolate. The finish is dry and its building tannins linger for quite a while. This wine would pair well with barbecue steak tips. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: Inky dark garnet, ruby color, the nose is rich and complex, showing juicy black currant, blueberry fruit, loads of dark chocolate and toast with just a hint of star anise and mint. On the palate, it is full and mouth-filling with loads of dark fruit, chocolate and just a subtle hint of pepper. The tannins, though present and firm, are well integrated with the fruit and the acid. This is a perfect wine for grilled ribs, duck, lamb or chicken with a hearty BBQ glaze. Age worthy for many years to come.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Merriam 2008 SNED Red.