Today's Wine, June 23, 2010

Today, we're drinking Vine Cliff Winery 1999 Napa Valley Merlot.  This is a full-bodied wine, very rich for a Merlot, with lots of berry fruit and a touch of residual sweetness.  Could possibly use a touch more acid for balance, but very serious wine.  I found this bottle at Royal up in Strongsville, and you may not find much of it around, given its age, but it was a great value at only $36.

For everyday drinking, I recommend the Castle Rock Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which you can find in almost any local store, even the grocery chains, for under $10.  The vintage doesn't matter.  I find the '06, '07 and '08 all drink virtually the same.  This is a red meat wine, so light up the barby!