MERLOT

Question 1

Right Bank Bordeaux Blend

Answer 1

Sight: very deep ruby.

Nose: red and black fruits,
–green herb, forest floor, violet floral, earth-mineral.
—Oak ageing adds vanilla, sweet spice and toast/smoke flavours.

Palate:
medium-plus to full-bodied;
supple, rich and lush;
dry to bone dry.
Structure:
alcohol: medium-plus to high in warmer vintages; acidity: medium to medium-plus;
tannin: medium to medium-plus tannins.

ID Keys: Generally, Merlot-based right bank wines tend have softer tannins than their Cabernet-based left
bank counterparts as well as more herbal/vegetal characteristics.

Question 2

New World: California, Australia and Chile

Answer 2

Sight: very deep ruby.
Nose: ripe black fruits,
–green herb, bitter chocolate, and oak. Mint and eucalyptus can also often found.

Palate:
full-bodied and usually richer and riper than right bank Bordeaux wines with more new oak.

Structure:
alcohol: medium-plus to high,
acidity: medium to medium-plus;
tannin: medium to high.

ID Keys: generally Merlot tends to be ripe and supple with lush fruit and herbal notes; full-bodied wines
display considerable alcohol with a relative lack of earthiness and considerable new oak. Tannins tend to be less angular than Cabernet Sauvignon although Cabernet is often blended with Merlot for added structure.