2014 McCall Merlot Reserve
Regardless of the weather, sometimes you just want a decadently delicious red. And despite Paul Giamatti’s dismissal of all things merlot in the 2004 blockbuster film “Sideways,” one such red that fits the bill perfectly for a delectably indulgent red is McCall’s 2014 Merlot Reserve.
This 100% merlot wine drinks well above it’s $30 price point. It is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. This wine has silky smooth tannins and a lush mouth feel. The notes of ripe, but not overly ripe, cherry meld beautifully with earthy notes, bittersweet chocolate, toast a little smoke.
This wine will easily complement steaks, barbeque, stew, gamey foul, and venison. Sharp hard cheeses and dark chocolate would also pair nicely. This wine drinks well without food too.
2018 McCall Field Blend
This lovely Long Island Bordeaux-style blend is comprised of 75% merlot, 14% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot and 5% cabernet Franc. The wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. This is a wine where the winemakers tasting notes are truly spot on. Notes of blackberry and cassis on the nose with blackberry, clove, and warm baking spices on the palate. The wine has a persistent and satisfying finish hinting of black licorice, vanilla, and cedar.
This is an elegant, yet versatile, red that can easily elevate any meal. It can be enjoyed with the usual red fare, like steaks, but it isn’t too heavy to have with heartier chicken dishes, pasta, or other Italian foods, with red sauce, or even seafood dishes in red sauce. At only $30 a bottle, this wine can even be enjoyed with pizza.
2018 Field Blend was sampled. Pictured is the 2017 bottle.
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