After 8 to 10 months in a combination of French and American oak, this Merlot satisfies with good complexity at a moderate price. The nose shows Blackberry, black cherry, coffee, leafy herbs, bakers chocolate and a toffee note. The palate translates the nose nicely, with emphasis on the herbs and chocolate in the midpalate giving way to fruit and coffee in the medium long finish. There’s enough going on to keep you interested and it will leave you enough money to get some nice mushrooms to add to the meal.
Santa Ema, Maipo Valley (Chile) Merlot 2010
By Rich Cook