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Wine Recommendation
Graeser Winery
2002 Merlot, Two Dog Vineyard(Napa Valley)
Winery principle Richard Graeser purchases fruit for this Merlot, part of his more casually labeled “Outside the Boundaries” series, from long time friends Ellis and Anne Hamilton. The couple named their Two Dog Vineyard after their Yellow Labradors, Rosie and Buddy. The vineyard is located on the valley floor near Calistoga.
As labels go, this one fits nicely into the new pack of dog themed versions taking the state by storm. Are dogs the new Yellow Tail? Perhaps, but many of the California versions are well above the fighting varietal price points. At $28, this bottle is about triple. In this case, the price is justified. The wine is a bit more serious than the label suggests.
Bright, moderately saturated purple with magenta highlights, and fairly viscous, this friendly, approachable wine has aromas of blueberry, cherry, cedar, toast, vanilla, maple, and menthol. On the palate it is rich, fruity, and oaky, with bright strawberry, mulberry, plum, and cedar, fine grained tannins, soft acids, and a long, flavorful finish. This would be delicious with a juicy grilled flank steak with a side of grilled eggplant.
Reviewed June 13, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.
Other reviewed wines from Graeser Winery
  2003 Cabernet Franc, Estate (Diamond Mountain District ~ Napa Valley)Catherine Fallis 4/11/2007 |
The Wine
Winery: Graeser Winery |
The Reviewer
Catherine Fallis
Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth. |