Monday, December 22, 2014

Perfectly Aged Wine: Keswick 2010 Merlot

They say that about ninety percent of the wine sold in America is consumed within 48 hours of purchase. We couldn't actually find a reference to quote, but we have heard this statistic quoted so many times that it is at least an Urban Legend. 

When we opened a bottle of Keswick Vineyards Merlot 2010 the other evening, we were greeted by a wine which is at its peak. It is fabulous with its smooth depth and nose. The winemaker's notes suggest this wine will be good for up to 8 years and I believe that this will definitely be true.

The experience reminded me that saving the right wine for the right amount of time significantly improves the enjoyment. It is a bit sad the wines are sold before they are ready to be consumed--especially when certain ones age so well. 

We had enjoyed other bottle of this vintage a few weeks ago and were ready to fully enjoy this one when it was opened.

Not every wine is designed to be aged--but those that benefit from "laying down" can be very special when they are finally opened. 

-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Wine of the Night - Six Mile Creek

Looking for something special to enjoy on an evening after the Thanksgiving holiday has ended and while looking forward to the chaos of Christmas, we chose a wine that we bought earlier this year while in Ithaca, NY. 

The wine is Six Mile Creek's 2012 Quintessence at $22. 

Who says that New York Finger Lakes vineyards can't make a nice, deep, Bordeaux-style red wine? Six Mile Creek has figured it out!

The wine has a nice deep ruby color. Hints of plums and dark berries on the nose and consistent with the complex flavors and mild tannins. There is a hint of acidity in the taste which has a medium finish. Decant it for an hour and let it open up and it becomes a dynamic wine. Right out of the open bottle the flavors are a bit sharp--but they mellow out quickly.

RECOMMENDATION: At a $22 price point--this is a good wine!

Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD