Xplorador by Concha y Toro, Central Valley (Chile) Merlot 2009

 Xplorador Merlot is not only a year younger than the Carménère, but 90% of the Merlot was aged in stainless steel for four months and the remainder 10% in French oak barrels, also for four months.  Could it be that Concha y Toro doesn’t take Merlot as serious as Carménère?  The lighter oak seasoning allows Merlot’s deep plumy fruit with cedar accents to come through.  Nicely textured with soft tannins, 13.1% alcohol and a dry medium finish, this is a very drinkable Merlot at an attractive price.