Friday, August 23, 2013

Kimmel 2010 Merlot (California)

Merlots, people seem to love it or dislike it. I struggled to find a Merlot I really liked for many years and Kimmel Merlot as I have mentioned before gave me a whole new love for the varietal.

So I received this wine last week and I could hardly wait to open it. Kimmel Merlot has always been amazing and this one was no exception. Aged 20 months in oak.

This onyx ruby colored Merlot opens with a blackberry, red currant, and mild old oak bouquet with an alluring hint of spice and just the faintest soupçon of strawberry.
On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, plush and juicy. The flavor profile is a rich blackberry with notes of spice, mineral infused plum, vanilla oak with tiny hints of dark chocolate. Smooth and savory, the flavors linger on your tongue long after your last sip.

This is an elegant wine, but don't let the finesse fool you, it has the structure to support 8 to 10 years plus in the cellar.
If you can wait that long to open the bottle.


Visit Kimmel Winery at

Monday, August 19, 2013

Kimmel Chardonnay 2011 (California)

If you keep up with my wine blog you know I am a huge fan of Kimmel wines so it goes without saying I was pretty excited to taste the 2011 wines.

This Chardonnay is big and juicy. Pale yellow with aromas of mild oak and honey with a hint of honeysuckle, like summer in a glass. Aged 10 months in oak.
 
Medium bodied wine, slightly acidic and mouthwatering. Toasted almond, buttered peach and succulent fruit flavors. Lemon zest, baked pineapple with a hint of toffee. Dry yet juicy finish with flavors that linger long after the wine is gone.
 
I served this wine with mushroom risotto and roasted
asparagus. Great pairing!


You can visit the Kimmel Vineyards Website at http://www.kimmelvineyards.com/