Ask Lisa: 2006 Pine Ridge Carneros Merlot
Patty Heinrich noted on Facebook, “Just received our shipment of wine from our trip to Napa. Can’t wait to plan a great dinner to have with each.”
Patti noted some great wines and here is what Lisa came up with.
2006 Pine Ridge Carneros Merlot (Bottled March 2007)
(A blend of 98% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec)
The nose has nuances of both ripe red and black cherries, a small amount of white pepper, green tea, cinnamon, and very pronounced with cola, tobacco, espresso, and dark chocolate.
This wine with its soft tannins is creamy, yet has a firm structure in which the juicy acidity prolongs the fruitiness. You may cellar this wine for up to 8 more years.
Cheese parings would include a Gruyere Cheese or Aged Cheddar Cheeses.
Merlot pretty much goes with anything with meat or wild game, even Chicken Marsala.
Merlot also pairs well with Cornish Game Hens, Pasta with Sausage, Beef Wellington, Beef Strogonoff, Duck and Oyster Mushroom Roulade, Flat bread with Gruyere Cheese, Mushrooms, and Kale.
Grilled vegetables such as Eggplants, Mushrooms, Zucchini Squash, or a Morel Mushroom Asparagus Tart with Black Pepper, Creamy Gruyere Cheese in Puff Pastry Dough.
