TN: 2001 Merus

Steve_Eisenhauer · March 28, 2009, 4:08pm

After receiving reports of disappointing performances of this wine, I decided to pop one last night. I am sad to say I cannot disagree with the reports.

Don’t get me wrong, this is a very good wine. But I’ve come to expect more than “very good” from Merus. I’m looking for a “wow” and excitement factor.

Still dark-colored, the nose was pretty muted with notes of blackberries and black currants, a touch of oak and smoke. On the palate, the wine was well-integrated, with black fruits and espresso predominant. Very good, but not exciting. Is it in a weird stage or are the “drinking window” projections for this wine overly optimistic?

mike_pobega · March 28, 2009, 4:26pm

Thaks for the note.

Steve with these ‘stunner’ wines, what do we really expect in terms of agability?
As you know, I too a a fan, but these wines are structured so differently than say the top wines of the ‘old’ guard’, and I have always quietly been a proponent against waiting too long to enjoy. I hate saying this aloud. To me its all in the fruit and texture. Tanzer may feel the same.

We had the killer '99 together so I don’t think my plan is very sound as a blanket statement though, just a thought.

Just one mans inconsequential opinion. Carry on…

Steve_Saxon · March 28, 2009, 4:33pm

After tying all the Merus from 98-03 the only one that blew my away was the 02 and it needed a 12 hour decant. I think this wine just needs a lot of time before we can call it overated.

BobH · March 28, 2009, 7:02pm

I bought two bottles of the 2001 Merus. I tried the first which was pretty good. I have yet to open the second. After trying the 2002, I said “WTF?” and I traded it away, and dropped off the list. I am likely to trade the 2001 as well, just haven’t gotten around to it.
I did the same thing with Sloan. After tryign the 2000, 2001, 2002, I happily gave up my spot on the list. IMHO only, I think that both cabs are highly overrated.

CFu · March 28, 2009, 7:06pm

i think the 01 Merus is a huge monster of a wine that needs a bunch of time to open up.

AlexHay · March 28, 2009, 11:42pm

FWIW, the 2004 Merus was a hit at a recent tasting, easily winning either WOTN or first runner up.

I tried the Sloan and just didn’t get it. Saw no reason for the hype. It was so well rounded it rolled off the table as there was nothing distinctive about it to me. [stop.gif]Even well before the recession - say 2 or 3 years ago - the list was effectively open. Seems like many, many others do not believe the hype either. [1928_middle_finger.gif]Sloan!

Steve_Saxon · March 28, 2009, 11:49pm

AlexHay:

b hudak:

I bought two bottles of the 2001 Merus. I tried the first which was pretty good. I have yet to open the second. After trying the 2002, I said “WTF?” and I traded it away, and dropped off the list. I am likely to trade the 2001 as well, just haven’t gotten around to it.

FWIW, the 2004 Merus was a hit at a recent tasting, easily winning either WOTN or first runner up.

b hudak:

I did the same thing with Sloan. After tryign the 2000, 2001, 2002, I happily gave up my spot on the list. IMHO only, I think that both cabs are highly overrated.

I tried the Sloan and just didn’t get it. Saw no reason for the hype. It was so well rounded it rolled off the table as there was nothing distinctive about it to me. [stop.gif]Even well before the recession - say 2 or 3 years ago - the list was effectively open. Seems like many, many others do not believe the hype either. [1928_middle_finger.gif]Sloan!

I had the 01 Sloan the same night as the 02 Merus and while I thought the Sloan was very good it was not nearly as good as the Merus. So I thought paying $300 for sloan was stupid and Merus was a bargain for $130. Now I won’t buy either.

Jack_Bulkin · March 29, 2009, 4:22am

Steve Saxon:

AlexHay:

b hudak:

I bought two bottles of the 2001 Merus. I tried the first which was pretty good. I have yet to open the second. After trying the 2002, I said “WTF?” and I traded it away, and dropped off the list. I am likely to trade the 2001 as well, just haven’t gotten around to it.

FWIW, the 2004 Merus was a hit at a recent tasting, easily winning either WOTN or first runner up.

b hudak:

I did the same thing with Sloan. After tryign the 2000, 2001, 2002, I happily gave up my spot on the list. IMHO only, I think that both cabs are highly overrated.

I tried the Sloan and just didn’t get it. Saw no reason for the hype. It was so well rounded it rolled off the table as there was nothing distinctive about it to me. [stop.gif]Even well before the recession - say 2 or 3 years ago - the list was effectively open. Seems like many, many others do not believe the hype either. [1928_middle_finger.gif]Sloan!

I had the 01 Sloan the same night as the 02 Merus and while I thought the Sloan was very good it was not nearly as good as the Merus. So I thought paying $300 for sloan was stupid and Merus was a bargain for $130. Now I won’t buy either.

But you would buy an 89 HB for $600 in a heartbeat. Way to go Father Sax. I am there with you.

Steve_Saxon · March 29, 2009, 4:32am

Jack Bulkin:

Steve Saxon:

AlexHay:

FWIW, the 2004 Merus was a hit at a recent tasting, easily winning either WOTN or first runner up.
I tried the Sloan and just didn’t get it. Saw no reason for the hype. It was so well rounded it rolled off the table as there was nothing distinctive about it to me. [stop.gif]Even well before the recession - say 2 or 3 years ago - the list was effectively open. Seems like many, many others do not believe the hype either. [1928_middle_finger.gif]Sloan!

I had the 01 Sloan the same night as the 02 Merus and while I thought the Sloan was very good it was not nearly as good as the Merus. So I thought paying $300 for sloan was stupid and Merus was a bargain for $130. Now I won’t buy either.

But you would buy an 89 HB for $600 in a heartbeat. Way to go Father Sax. I am there with you.

Ed_Gonzales · March 30, 2009, 6:38pm

I had the 01 Merus approx 2-3 years after it was released, it was my cab of the vintage along with Shafer Hillside and Araujo. It was excellent then; sad to hear about its current state.

Best,