- Winery:Cartlidge & Brown
- Vintage:2006
- Country: USA
- Region:California
- Price: $12.00/750ml
- Rating:7 out of 10
Recently our Scuba Club (site under design by the lovely and talented Kathy) had a wine and cheese party. The rule was you had to bring your own bottle of wine. They had a taster there with several wines of his own you could sample but in the end, if you wanted more than a swig, you had better have brought some with you. I chose Cartlidge & Brown Merlot based almost solely on it’s label. (It looked very classy) I know, I know, it’s pretty shallow of me but if you know me, it’s not a great surprise.
My first impression of Cartlidge & Brown Merlot was that it tastes good. Some of the wines I buy in this price range don’t, so it is always a crap shoot. Cartlidge & Brown Merlot is a good drinking wine. It has a slightly fruity taste, not enough to overpower the grapes, just enough to let you know that the Vintnor was thinking about you when he made it and wanted you to enjoy the “fruits” of his labor.
It does not have an appreciable aftertaste. Like all good dinner guests, this one does not outstay it’s welcome. It is not pretentious, it realizes that it is not the star of the meal, just part of the supporting cast. (Wines in this price range are rarely pretentious)
It was not quite as good as Little Black Dress Merlot but it was close. (and it was a damn sight easier to open.)
All things considered however, Cartlidge & Brown Merlot is a good wine for anytime you want a Merlot. I wouldn’t serve this at my daughter’s wedding, but I would have no problem uncorking a bottle when close friends come over.
One note, the vintage on this bottle is 2006. It is rare that you find a wine aged 4 years in the $10-$20 price range. That was another thing that caught my eye when making the purchase.