This quick sip is Vineyard 48’s Merlot 2004.  I have always liked the red from Vineyard 48, so when I saw this on sale at my local wine shop, I figured let us try them again.

Upon opening, there is virtually no fruit, maybe a little blackberry, it is earthy and smoky.  The taste was just the same.  I knew that this may need some time to open.

After a little while, started to get more aroma of wet soil.  The taste was some tobacco.  There was no evidence of fruit, at all.

It does have a smooth finish.  It is a light to medium-bodied wine.  Subtle tannis and it is a clean and dry at the end.

I did not care for this wine but at $15.00, on sale for $11.00 it is a good value if you do not like fruit in your Merlot.  I do like fruit in my Merlot,so this is not for me.  This is the perfect Merlot for my brother, Matt.

This wine is not listed on Vineyard 48’s web page, and they do have other vintages in there tasting room.  I will have to go out and see if this is a trend or just happens to an off year.  I am hoping that this was an off year.