This is my first topic entry, so just getting a taste for what to expect (and what to check out as far as other’s reviews are concerned). As a disclaimer: I am not a pro, I’m not in the ‘industry’, I’m not making money doing this. What viewpoints I have should be taken just as any persons subjective suggestions are taken on here. ‘Different Strokes For Different Folks’ as the saying goes. You might agree, you might disagree…with what info is included on my ‘regular guy’ reviews. I just hope to provide some insight on what my buddies and I think about various wines we taste, and what you might find in your own personal investment in wine…and hopefully shed some light on some cool ‘budget finds’ in the wide world of wine!
This first video is from our recent tasting of the 2012 Merryvale Cabernet from St. Helena. Merryvale is well known for their constantly 90+ rated blend, Profile. They excel in Red wines, and before making Starmont a stand-alone label, had an amazing Chardonnay called the Silhouette (a white blend as well, which rivaled the buttery-ness of the famed Rombauer Chard). Contrary to the trend, I personally hate stainless steel aged Chard as my palate (and stomach) has a tough time with the acidic nature of most white wines. Stainless steel aged whites tend to be quite crisp, filled with citric and tart green apple flavors. I prefer that buttery Chard that makes you crave a slice of buttered bread or a great hard sharp white cheddar.
I hope you enjoy our video review of this standout Merryvale Cab! - YouTube
Hi Jave, welcome to Berserkers, and thanks for a first post with some meat in it. Red meat, as it turns out 
You’re going to find all kinds of tastes here, but in all honesty, you’ll probably find that the folks who spend the most time here, and are most passionate about wine have probably been there, done that, with many of the “old guard” wineries like Merryvale. I remember them as a Spectator favorite 25 years ago when I was paying more attention to California wines. I bought and drank all of them my earlier wine days. If you like the wines, by all means continue with them, but I would also encourage you to explore the dozens of producers that have come on the scene in the past decade and more.
As for your comments on white wines, I’m going to give you some advice: at some point you’re probably going to look back on your preferences today and wonder what you were thinking. Because if you limit yourself to the buttery Chard style, you’ll be missing out on literally thousands of other white wines that (for me) are so much more interesting, usually go better with food, and can even be a lot more affordable in terms of quality/price.
Just a note, Chardonnay (just to pick one, but applies to many whites) can be aged in oak and still not be “buttery” or oaky. It’s also about the type, toast, and age of the barrels. It’s about the winemaking, ripeness of the fruit when picked, where it’s grown, etc. I urge you to continue exploring and keep an open mind, don’t convince yourself you like what you like and be closed to other experiences. You’ll miss a lot if you do.
Cheers
Hi Alan! Agreed- I’ve got a review coming from a recent David Akioshi tasting, along with some interesting Sierra Foothill wines and some offbeat stuff from the central coast (familiar with Chronic Cellars?) along with Texas wine tasting notes too! Yes, many oaked whites can be very bright and not overly buttery, however I haven’t found many soft stainless steel whites. Could you recommend one (or more) to try?
Best Regards,
JP
I just opened a bottle of 2015 Merryvale Sauvignon Blanc yesterday.
Last week I drank a bottle of 2012 Merryvale Merlot.
One of my WOTY candidates is 2009 Merryvale Profile.
Its really the only CA winery I buy while I’m intensely exploring Bordeaux and other European regions.
Been years, perhaps 15+ since I tried a Merryvale. The first descriptor from the first two tasters was “oak aromas”. What are these bottles running in cost these days?
This year I’ve been buying the 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet locally for $50.
It’s better than the '09 I had a couple months ago.
The new release Sauv Blancs cost me about $24 each, delivered from the winery.
Their 09 Profile and 10 Cabernet Franc are both outstanding IMO.
