Skip to main content

2008 Bonterra Merlot

     Grilled hamburgers topped with blue cheese on the dinner menu at home the other evening seemed the perfect match for one of my HEB grocery store wine buys. I opened the 2008 Bonterra Merlot from Mendocino County. This Merlot-based wine which has some Syrah, Zinfandel and Carignane in the blend is made from organic grapes and was purchased for $11.75.

      It was a dark ruby in the glass with medium intense aromas of mixed ripe black fruit with light oak. It was well-balanced with medium acidity, alcohol and tannins with flavors of plum, cranberry and a bit of vanilla. It had a smooth, medium length finish.

     We really enjoyed it- the best value priced Merlot that I have had in awhile!   
Labels:

Comments

  1. New Hampshire WinemanJuly 31, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Sandra, you reviews are better than ever.
    One of my first wine loves was Bonterra 2006 Cabernet, but my latest is their 2007 Syrah. In part, this is what I had to say: Bonterra Vineyards Mendocino County 2007 Syrah (organic), $13.79- $18.99 (I paid $14.99), 89 points, is another amazing wine from Bonterra . For those who have wanted to try an American Syrah.

    Well, you just keep making me hungry-thirsty!
    Dennis Tsiorbas

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sandra CrittendenAugust 4, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    Thank you so much, I am planning on trying the whole line but I will start with the Syrah based on your recommendation!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading Wine Life - Houston.

Popular posts from this blog

Nocera - A Native Grape from Sicily

Nocera is a native grape from Sicily. It comes from the Messina province which is located in the northeast. Nocera is a quality red wine grape that is most known as a blender in the red wines of the Faro DOC. I had the opportunity to taste some pure versions (which according to Wine Searcher are rare) this week at a trade tasting held at Roma Restaurant in Houston. Wine production in the region dates back to the 14th Century BC, however, phylloxera decimated the vineyard area in 1881 leaving it at a fraction of its original size. The area boasts a Mediterranean climate with sunny days and coastal breezes, moderate rainfall, and mild winters, all ideal for grape growing. The Nocera grape is a bluish/black color and has a thick skin which allows for the production of structured wines with prominent tannins which are balanced by good acidity. High alcohol is common. Red wines produced from the grapes are an intense ruby color with purple highlights and aromas and flavors of dark fruits a
Post a Comment
Read more

The Villa Sandi Houston Sommelier Competition Winners

This past Sunday, Taste of Italy - Houston held The Villa Sandi Houston Sommelier Competition at the Hilton Post Oak in collaboration with the Italian American Chamber of Commerce . The competition was orchestrated to help local sommeliers hone their both their service and test taking skills while showcasing their knowledge of all things wine. Competitors started with a deductive tasting and theory exam and concluded with a table service exam. The winners were announce on Monday morning at the opening of the Taste of Italy - Houston. Tony Elsinga won the top prize of $750 along with a trip to Italy. Mark Fusco was the first runner up also winning $750 and and Carlos Rosas was the second runner up earning a $500 prize. Each winner also was a gifted a jerobaum bottle of Villa Sandi Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore.  The competition was originally conceived by Jaime Deleon , the Adult Beverage Sales Manager for Kroger's Houston Division and an Advanced Sommelier in the Court of Mast
Post a Comment
Read more

The Ultimate Zinfandel Experience - ZinEX

In the September issue of Galveston Monthly, I'm celebrating California Wine Month with the Golden State's signature grape, Zinfandel. I am also sharing information on the ultimate experience for Zinfandel lovers, ZinEX, get more information on that event at  https://zinfandelexperience.com/
Post a Comment
Read more