Saturday Night – Vacation? Part 2

Click here for Part 1

The Sterling Merlot disappeared quite quickly so I opened the 2003 Chateau St. Jean next.

"Halo Burger"

There was no doubt that this wine was from California. The nose had big aromas of cherry, loam and cocoa. On first sip you are hit with huge fruit and the tannin seemed very high or it may have been the acidity was very low but the balance was out on this wine. The finish on the wine was nice and smooth. This was a very easy to drink wine but I think Mick described it as being “too commercial” as it was easy to drink but lacking the character to make it memorable.

"Easy drinking"

Here is the group rating for the wine -Mick – 86, Mark – 85, Kathy – 86, Amy – 87, Overall – 86.

"Good but too sweet"

I can’t remember where I picked this bottle up but the price point was around $20. For $20 I’d go with the Beringer’s Founders Estate Merlot instead as it is a better wine for the money.

For dessert I’d picked up a white and dark chocolate cake with strawberry filling which was quite nice but it didn’t go with the few remaining sips of Merlot that were left in my glass. The menu was simple and the wines didn’t blow me away but it was a fun evening with Mick and Amy. This weekend was Mother’s Day and we didn’t get together with Mick and Amy so the next post probably won’t be until after next weekend.

Cheers!

Mark