M. Trinchero		 Merlot-
The Buy List for May 2001
by AlcoholReviews.com

Each month AlcoholReviews.com tastes a slew of wines.  Below you will find those red wines that we think are worth purchasing.  Wines are listed in  order of price, from lowest to highest.  Wines of the same price are listed alphabetically. 
Our rating scale is simple and focuses on taste and taste alone:
*Horrid- Won't drink unless threatened with violence.
**Tolerable- Will drink if it is free.
***Good- Will drink and even pay for.
****Very Good- Will seek out for purchase.
*****Superb- Will walk miles to acquire.
Barton & Guestier 1999 ($7) (12.5% alcohol)
Light-bodied, fruity French Merlot with just a touch of herbs and spice.  Not one to stand up to strong flavored meals, but certainly good for quaffing.  Good value, great for parties. (Rating ***1/4)

For more info on this wine, surf to: http://www.aboutwines.com/
Concha y Toro Xplorador 2000 ($8) (13.5% alcohol)
A mild Chilean Merlot with notes of fruit, blueberry then spice.  A touch of alcohol ester (it is quite young) and a dry close.  (Rating ***1/4)

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Stonehaven 1999 ($8) (13.5% alcohol)
Assuredly one of the best low priced Merlots we've ever tasted.  Medium-bodied, fruity, and serves up vanilla and soft tobacco and tea notes.  A lively and engaging Australian.  We paired this against Indian food and it was just marvelous, its fruit and vanilla perfectly balancing the spicy chicken and vegetable kurma.  Note to oenophiles and restaraunteers- buy as many cases of this as you can. Superb value.  (Rating ****)

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Sartori 1998 ($9) (12% alcohol)
Hello blueberries and cream!  Though essentially limited to these two notes, boy are they fun.  Get this Italian Merlot and sip it sans food or with mild chicken dishes or mild cheeses.  (Rating ***1/2)

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San Telmo 2000 ($10) (12% alcohol)
A whole different animal from the Sartori and the other fruity Merlots.  This Argentinian carries notes of anise, tobacco, black pepper and a hint of smoke.  Rather unusual and much more august but not as serious as Cabernet sauvignon.  Enjoy it alone, with bolder cheeses or grilled chicken or vegetables.  Impressive quality for the price.  (Rating ***1/2)

For more info on this wine, surf to: http://www.aboutwines.com/
M. Trinchero Family Selection 1998 ($14) (13.5% alcohol)
Such a pleasing nose- soft fruit, blueberry and vanilla.  More of the same in the mouth, and surprisingly sweet.  A sure winner at any social gathering.  Well worth every penny and a joy to sip.    (Rating ****)

For more info on this wine, surf to http://www.mtrinchero.com
Carmen Reserve 1999 ($16) (13.5% alcohol)
Clearly the best of the lot.  A less effusive nose than the Trinchero, so more subtleties are evident- fruit, vanilla, barrel, spice.  In the mouth it's creamy, and sports the same notes along with a dash of black pepper.  Much less sweet than the Trinchero.  Open a bottle for dinner and you'll likely have a difficult time not finishing every last drop.  Sheer drinking pleasure. (Rating ****1/4)

For more info on this wine, surf to: http://www.carmen.com or ring W.J. Deutsch & Sons at 1-914-251-9463.

reviewed: 04/25/01