Ravenswood , Vintners Blend Merlot, 1999 Review

After such an enjoyable experience with the Vintners Blend Zinfandel (and reading that Libby is going to visit the winery), when I came across Ravenswood Vintners Blend Merlot I didn't hesitate to pick-up a bottle.

"No Wimpy Wines" is the slogan of Ravenswood Winery. They have built their reputation on big, hand-crafted wines that should be aged seven to ten years before reaching their prime. Some wines, like their Vintners Blend series, however, are produced with the intent that it is ready to drink as soon as it is bottled. A Vintners Blend is made by combining a small-lot wine that Ravenswood vints itself and then blends with other small-lot wines vinted by other wineries, chosen just for this purpose. Success depends on the winemaker (vintner) blending all of the various lots to produce a wine with character and flavor. These are considered to be "Introductory Quality" wines and are Ravenswood's most affordable.

A Successful Blend
This Merlot pours with a deep garnet/ruby color and presents a nose of ripe cherries, blackberries and a hint of plum. Ravenswood claims that a major portion of the wine was "aged in French oak for eight months to add complexity and structure to the rather opulent fruit characteristics of the Merlot grapes." I can testify that upon tasting, there is a subtle oak/vanilla presence; just enough to be noticed - very unobtrusive and pleasing. The wine was well balanced and very easy, with great fruit flavor and very gentle tannins. The finish was soft and round.

Cost and Availability
I purchased a 750 ml bottle of this wine at a local wine shop for $8.99 (plus tax).  This wine was a wide release and should still be fairly easy to find.

Recommendations
I enjoyed this wine with homemade brownies. :-)  Merlot and chocolate....now that's dessert! I wouldn't hesitate to pair this wine with any of the traditional red-wine dishes and it would stand on its own without problem. As an expensive gift, this would make an excellent choice.

The Bottom Line
An excellent performer with a lot of character for less than $10 per bottle.