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Review: Vin du Lac 2007 Merlot "Barrel Select"

Today a musical pairing.

Vin du Lac 2007 Merlot "Barrel Select"

Last night I was watching music videos while enjoying a bottle of  Vin du Lac 2007 “Barrel Select” Merlot. Vin du Lac is located in lovely Lake Chelan, Washington. My favorite musical pairing of the evening was with the music video by award-winning British artist, Estelle and her song "Thank You”. For me, a good match.



At opening the wine was ruby colored, after 30 minutes it deepened to a dark garnet. The nose:  floral, slightly candied, whiff of sandal wood, cherry, vanilla, an herbal component appeared after 30 minutes along with some cola. After an hour spicy baked bell pepper appeared. I really grooved on the nose. Lip smacking flavors of cherry, vanilla, nutmeg, with soft to medium tannins. A medium finish on opening, it appreciably lengthened the longer it was open.

The Vin du Lac 2007 Merlot "Barrel Select" is very approachable. Not everyone has the luxury to wait an hour before drinking a bottle of wine. So it is always good to have bottles on hand which are ready to enjoy immediately. A tasty, medium bodied Merlot, if I were to pair with food instead of music, I'd pair this wine with grilled lamb, especially with a lamb Ghyro from my favorite Greek restaurant. This wine is still evolving, but is ready to drink today. Hold for a few more years for maximum appreciation. Recommended.

At Vin du Lac, the “Barrel Select” designation, indicates that these are their best, limited production, barrel-aged wines, made with grapes sourced from top vineyard suppliers. Winemaker Larry Lehmbecker crafts them in a classic, age-worthy style for immediate enjoyment as well as for cellaring potential.

A beautiful vacation destination on the east side of the Cascades, Lake Chelan has become a premium wine country destination. Winemaker Larry Lehmbecker is making superlative wines in the Chelan Valley. Only a two hour drive from Seattle, Vin du Lac is worth visiting.

Release Info:
Blend: 100% Merlot
Vineyards: Klingele Vineyard-Snipes Canyon, Stillwater Creek-Royal Slope, Michaela's Vineyard-Chelan.
ABV14.7%
Production: 376 cases
Release: Winter 2010
Closure: Real Cork
Sample provided by the winery.
Retail price: $34.99

Vin du Lac
Tasting Room Hours: Thursday – Sunday, Noon – 5 pm.
www.vindulac.com

Can't make it over to the winery? Vin du Lac can ship to the following states:
Alaska, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington. Montana residents are required to provide a Connoisseur's license prior to ordering wine. Contact Vin du Lac at 866-455-9463 ext 130 for more information on shipping.

Cheers and Thank You!
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