Rutherford Hill 2019 Merlot

Rutherford Hill started in 1972 with an aim to represent the Pomerol region of Bordeaux in California. Using merlot as the centerpiece, they have been crafting fine merlot for 40 years. Comprised of mainly merlot, there is 10% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, and 2% each of syrah and petite Verdot. With this 2019 you’ll find Bing cherry, black cherry, raspberry and blackberry notes. There are subtle amounts of both blueberry and boysenberry as well. The tannins and acidity are mild and this works out to a lovely wine that celebrates merlot. Aged 18 months in French oak, this is a balanced wine that celebrated the oft-maligned merlot grape.

ORIGIN: Napa Valley
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
PRICE: $35 (750 ml)
SCORE: 90 POINTS

Me, Merlot & I: Drinking Merely Merlot

For the last six years, October has been designated as (hashtag) MerlotMe, a month long campaign to get people to drink more Merlot. Don’t people already drink Merlot? Well, yes, it’s the second most planted red grape behind Cabernet Sauvignon. Here in the US there’s still residual Sideways Merlot...

Read full article

A Month of Merlot

Like the talented child who has been overshadowed by his elder bother, Merlot is finally beginning to regain its birthright. The self-proclaimed Merlot Month of October is as good a time as any to celebrate this grape. IntoWine hand selected four Merlots to help you rediscover why Merlot is so good.

Read full article

Best Merlot Recommendation (For the Money)

IntoWine asked a panel of wine experts for their best Merlot recommendation taking cost into consideration: Great Merlots from Napa Valley easily run $50 to $75 and higher. The best value recommendations for Merlots that I’ve rated 92 points or higher in the last couple years—the only two that can be found for under $30—are the ’09 Fields Family from Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll Distric (92+ points, averages $26) and a delicious, complex Merlot from Slovenia, the 2008 Batič (92+ points; $29). Among Merlots I’ve rated 90 to 91+ points in the last couple years, the best values are Merryvale’s Starmont (averages $24, 91 points), Frostwatch Bennett Valley ($28, 91+ points), Waterbrook Reserve Columbia Valley, Washington ($23, 90 points), Field Stone Alexander Valley ($17, 90 points), and Wildhurst Reserve Lake County ($15, 90+ points). Richard Jennings, IntoWine.com Featured Contributor and the Founder RJonWine.com.

Read full article

Le Marche's Le Terrazze: Bob Dylan, Chaos & Some Great Italian Wines

Le Marche (pronounced lay Mar-kay) is a region in central Italy that borders the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Apennines to the west. Le Marche borders Emilia-Romagna to the north, Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio to the west, and Abruzzi to the south. The terrain is mostly hills and mountains once you get away from the coast. The area has a long history matching most of the historic conquests of Italy: it was occupied by the Gaul’s, colonized by the Romans, later it was invaded by the Goths and Lombard’s, then by Charlemagne. It was then mostly a papal state before finally being annexed in the mid-1800’s by the kingdom of Italy.

Read full article

Merlot vs Syrah: Which Varietal Blooms Brightest in Washington?

Say “Oregon” and Pinot Noir comes to mind. Argentina? Malbec. And who can say “Shiraz” without thinking of Australia? But what grape will Washington wine country claim as it’s own as it expands in production and popularity? There are so many red treasures in this state, sometimes it is hard to say. But after my luscious Saturday tasting, I’m thinking Syrah and Merlot may duke it out for the prize.

Read full article

Rutherford Hill 2019 Merlot

Food and Wine Pairing Tool

Related Articles

Me, Merlot & I: Drinking Merely Merlot

A Month of Merlot

Best Merlot Recommendation (For the Money)

Le Marche's Le Terrazze: Bob Dylan, Chaos & Some Great Italian Wines

Merlot vs Syrah: Which Varietal Blooms Brightest in Washington?