February Domestic Wine: 2010 Roblar Merlot, Santa Barbara, CALIFORNIA
Nestled in an oak tree-studded 40-acre vineyard, Roblar Winery is located in the heart of Santa Barbara County. Designed by renowned architect Bob Easton, in collaboration with owners Steve and Denise Adams, their grand lodge-style winery reflects the spirit of the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley—rustic, authentic and bold.
History of Merlot and its Relation to Roblar: Merlot is a darkly blue-colored wine grape, that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to derive from the Old French word for young blackbird, merlot, a diminutive of merle, the blackbird, probably from the color of the grape. Merlot-based wines usually have medium body with hints of berry, plum, and currant. Its softness and “fleshiness”, combined with its earlier ripening, makes Merlot a popular grape for blending with the sterner, later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, which tends to be higher in tannin.
The Roblar estate vineyard is located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley two miles south of the town of Los Olivos. The mild climate tempered by foggy mornings, combined with the long growing season (the southern latitude makes for longer days, more sun and warmth in October and November), allows their grapes to fully develop structure and complexity while retaining fresh and bright fruit flavors. The Merlot grapes from their estate vineyard typically exhibit very rich cherry and plum flavors.
Varietals: 96% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 15.0% by volume
Tasting Notes: The Merlot is bursting with red fruit, cherry, and plum flavors on the forefront with a mid-palate filled with dark fruits and cedar. Lingering flavors of cassis and cherry compliment the oak on a soft tannin structure. This heavy bodied wine with rich dark flavors makes for an excellent wine to be enjoyed on its own or with lamb or steak.
Food Pairings: Pair this Merlot with maple sage pork sausage with port wine caramelized shallots and apples.
Jim Lutfy’s thoughts: “Rich, flavorful wine with great grip in the mid-palate. A Cabernet Sauvignon lover’s Merlot. The wine has a long and intense finish. Enjoy today or lay it down for a few years.”-JL