Rodney Strong Merlot, Sonoma County 2010

Here's a red wine that I love to drink.

Jeff introduced us to Rodney Strong for the first time many years ago at his restaurant, The Kimberton Inn in Kimberton, Pennsylvania. And it's been one of many favorite's since. Remember that Merlots are the softer brother of the Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Rodney Strong Merlot looks in the glass as a deep ruby red with a high viscosity. 

Tilt. By Tilting the glass a little, you can see how the wine changes color from the center to the outer edge. Really nice color.

Swirl. Swirl the wine in the glass. The viscosity is how slowly it runs back down the surface of the glass while you're swirling. The more viscosity, the more "legs" it has, and likely the more alcohol. Swirlingincreases the surface area of the wine as it spreads over the interior surface of the glass. This allows the smells to escape and reach your nose. Take a sniff. 

Sniff. Sniff the wine. Hold the glass a few inches from your nose. Then, let your nose go into the glass. 

Smell freshly crushed black berry fruits with warm blueberry sauce, blackberry jam, with hints of oak and licorice. I love this smell. My wife smiles every time. 

It's a big taste. Starts smooth, because it's been aged a couple years. The wine is quite luscious and juicy with liquid blackberries, ripe blueberry juice and squeezed raspberries. Almost a blueberry/black berry liqueur taste and a plum flavor. Tannins are soft, supple and balanced through the middle, and ending with dark cherry at a lingering finish. 

Try grilling a big slab of salmon with wild rice and mushrooms. If you want to pair it with meat, go for a duck or squab. You can pour it with some cheeses, such as mild cow and goat cheese. Delicious. Affordable.