[wine] Merlott at JP's TONIGHT

Mostly an update: Looks like an N of at least 10. ----- Forwarded message from "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> ----- From: "Jim L. Ellingson" <jellings(a)me.umn.edu> To: wine(a)thebarn.com Subject: [wine] Not Exactly Sideways at JP's Greetings and Salutations, We're doing something unusual this week. MERLOT. Going to JP's. The discussion and formulation went something like this. It was at/near the end of our Burgundy tasting, and the Duck was fantastic, but the wines were mixed.... Brgndy, when it's on, is incomparable. But the fickle grape is less than consistant, reliable, etc. Short version: High expectations, frequent dissappointment, occasional ecstasy. Now for something completely different.... We rarely do merlot, but when we do, we are usually very pleasantly suprised.... Karin had been to JP's, and Karl was/is/always_has_been eager to host the Thursday group. JP's American Bistro JP Samuelson Karl, Cheryl 2937 S. Lyndale 55408 (612) 824-9300 Yes/Guess: Betsy Bob Lori Warren/Ruth Jim Annette S. Roger Assumed Yes/Not on line: Nicolai Cheers, Jim Plush merlot reveals soul Tim Teichgraeber Special To The Star Tribune Published March 31, 2005 Merlot sometimes catches flak for not having as much personality as other grapes. Cabernet is known for deep black currant fruit and sturdy tannins. Pinot noir has finesse, more delicate fruit and subtle earthiness. And syrah is brooding, spicy and meaty. What's the particular charm of merlot? What merlot can offer is rich red and black fruit without the hard tannins of cabernet. The signature of great merlot is an unmistakably plush, velvety texture that I can only liken to the feel of a fur coat. It's likeable rather than temperamental, and reliable more often than amazing. Merlot is more politician than artist. And like a good politician, every once in a while merlot shows that it has some heart and soul. All it needs is the right vineyard site and a winemaker that takes it seriously. . 2002 Canoe Ridge Vineyard Merlot Columbia Valley Washington ($25). This Washington estate consistently produces superior merlot, and this vintage is no exception. A personal favorite of mine, it's flush with rich plum, blackberry, raspberry, earth and tobacco aromas and flavors, generous mid-palate flavor and texture through the long, even finish with hints of dried herbs and chocolate. *** 1/2 (Phillips Wines) . 2001 Rutherford Hill Merlot Napa Valley ($25). From a winery that prides itself on merlot, here's one that's worth boasting about -- the best it has produced in a while. It has tightly wound bittersweet chocolate, black cherry and brambly blackberry flavors, dusty tannins and a rich, plush mouthfeel. *** 1/2 (Johnson Brothers) . 2002 Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Merlot Peumo Chile ($15). Quality is on the upswing in Chile these days, and here's a perfect example. From its saturated color to the luscious plum, cherry, mineral, anise, tobacco and vanilla flavors, this silken red is sure to please. *** 1/2 (Paustis Wines) . 2002 Echelon Merlot Central Coast ($13). There's a lot to like about this exceptionally balanced merlot with deep blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors seasoned with anise, vanilla and dried herb notes. Artfully made and very reasonably priced. *** (Phillips Wines) Poorly kept secret . 2002 Cypress Merlot California ($9). Bargain hunters shouldn't overlook veteran grape grower Jerry Lohr's Cypress line of varietal wines, including this juicy, deep and balanced merlot with rich toast, black cherry, plum and herb flavors and fine, dusty tannins. *** (Griggs Cooper) startribune.com Close window Last update: March 30, 2005 at 3:00 PM First rule of wine etiquette -- relax Tara Q. Thomas Denver Post Published March 31, 2005 There's no need to get in a lather over wine etiquette. Most of the rules still passed off as "wine etiquette" tips went out with the advent of central heating. Unless you're serving a crusty 20-year-old bottle of wine, leave the decanters in the cupboard. Most wines today don't need to be opened until you want to drink them. It's nice to have glasses with thin lips and graceful, long stems, which both look nice and keep your greasy fingers from mucking up the view, but don't get uptight about it. Use what you have, because the first rule of wine etiquette is to remain relaxed. Wine is about pleasure, after all. Now that those two biggies are out of the way, here are some other tips that will ensure that your guests are comfortable and the wine flows smoothly. . Have water and nonalcoholic beverages easily accessible for those who don't want to drink alcohol. Teetotalers should not feel like they are making a scene. . Taste a wine before filling the glasses to make sure it isn't corked. There are few more uncomfortable situations than having to tell your host the wine she served is flawed. . Fill glasses a little less than half full so the wine can be swirled without spilling. Swirling isn't an affectation: Most of what we interpret as flavor comes from scent. . When pouring wine, keep the neck of the bottle off the lip of the glass. . Keep a napkin handy to catch any drips, too. A stain on the tablecloth or your guest's blouse is far more gauche than holding a napkin under the bottle, ready to catch drips. . Refill glasses before they are empty, but don't be too eager to keep them topped up, or your guests might feel rushed to drink more. . If you're serving many wines, have a container handy where guests can discreetly dump any wine they would rather not finish. . Traditionalists will want to fill ladies' glasses before the men's, pour from the guests' right, and hold the bottle so that the guest can view the label as you're pouring. Unobtrusiveness trumps tradition, however, so if pouring from the right means sticking your arm between two people engrossed in conversation, pour from a different side. . You don't have to open bottles brought by guests. They are gifts, for you to do with what you want. Local distributors Local distributors willing to take calls are listed at the end of each review. They can refer you to retailers who carry these wines. .Griggs Cooper and Co., 651-646-7821 .Johnson Brothers, 651-649-5800 .Paustis Wine Co., 763-489-4120 .Phillips Wines, 651-637-3300 **** Exceptional *** Highly recommended ** Recommended * Satisfactory Tim Teichgraeber, formerly of Minneapolis, is a San Francisco-based wine writer and entertainment attorney. He can be reached online at tim(a)timskyscraper.com. Copyright 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. ----- End forwarded message ----- -- ------------------------------ * * Dr. James Lee Ellingson, Adjunct Professor jellings(a)me.umn.edu * * University of Minnesota, tel: 651/645-0753 fax 651 XXX XXXX * * Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 *