Drink.  Learn.  Laugh.  Repeat.

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,853 strong:

Register Today!

181 Merlot 2008

Thanks for liking this wine! Let your friends on Twitter and Facebook know about it by clicking on the buttons here.

If you've already connected your Twitter account, then you don't need to click on the Twitter button to share your review as it'll be done for you.

Optional: Before you share your wine find with friends, you can pick a score or make a quick tasting note, or both if you like:


My Score:
 
My Tasting Notes:
Expand Box




Community Reviews

There are 3 user submitted reviews for this wine.

Dan Trcka Wine Blogger rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

The 181 Merlot 2010, sourced from the Lodi Valley and made in Bordeaux style, has intense aromas of toasted oak, black cherry liqueur, blackberry faint pine needle notes. It is medium bodied, fruity, has good acidity, refined tannins (decant for 15 min) and a medium, silky finish. It can be drunk by itself or with food; good to drink now, but will be in its prime from 2015-2020. My opinion: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89-90 pts – recommended due to its value. Tasted March/13.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections
Ron rated this wine as 78/100 with the following review:

Prd w/ Peruvian steak & veggies
Taylor rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

It tastes much like other reds from the hot, arid Lodi Valley: ripe, soft tannins but decently high acidity. Also not as slutty as other reds from Lodi. Full-bodied with raspberry, smoky cedar, black cherry, sweet chocolate and a finish that begs for another sip. Nicely done. $15.




Natalie's Review

181 Merlot 2008, Lodi, California, United States: This Bordeaux-style Merlot offers lovely aromas of black cherry, plums and vanilla smoke. There's a sumptuous, full-bodied weight and texture on the palate that finishes with lovely spicy cedar. The clone for this wine originates in the Pomerol region of Bordeaux, but it's thriving in its Lodi, California Clay Station Vineyard, where the soils are also red and produce extravagantly luscious Merlots. Perfect for barbecues and potluck gatherings. This wine will be available via Vintages in August 2011. Drink: 2009-2015. 226530 13.50% XD 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. May 8, 2011 Voluptuous Veal Wine  Full Review

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

Wine of the Week

As featured on  

CTV Wine of the Week!

Charles Baker White Wine
Riesling 2021,
Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 333,853 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

  Best Books of the Year

Red, White & Drunk all over by Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

  Best Books of the Year

Unquenchable by Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

Insider tips on starting a wine cellar
From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources.   learn more  
Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award