Fidelitas “O” Merlot 2005, Columbia Valley Washington

Dare I say it would even impress Miles?

Usually I’m not a Merlot fan,  and I owe it all to the movie “Sideways”.  I’ll spare you and not repeat the famous monologue that Miles spews out at his friend Jack.  Well, okay, maybe my affliction towards Merlot isn’t because of a toddler-like tirade, but more because of the mass-produced, blah tasting junk that is out there.  Whenever a salesperson brings by samples for us to try at the store and they have a Merlot, I usually refuse.  Like I said; they’re all the same.  That is, until this little shining star was brought before me one afternoon.  The aromas and flavors of dark fruit were very intense, it had lots of smooth and polished tannins and a great long finish.  It’s been aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Wow, thoroughly impressed!  Especially when I know I can get this $30 Merlot for about $17 at Ryan’s.  You can pick your jaw up off the floor now.

 So, Miles… you can keep your Pinot Noir.  I’ll savor my Fidelitas Merlot.