Red Rooster Merlot

Between our fairly frequent visits to Red Rooster - that always end up with another case in the car - and the wine we annually receive from the winery as participants under their innovative "Adopt-A-Row" program, we have a fair bit of Red Rooster wine ready to pop a cork when needed. I was, therefore, a tad surprised to find that we've only opened one of their Merlots so far on The List. The 2005 vintage sits way back at #139. So, I guess there should be no problem in enjoying a bottle tonight.

675. 2007 Red Rooster Merlot (VQA Okanagan Valley)

The winery produces two Merlots; this is the approachable classic label that comes in at under $20 - their Reserve label is currently around $30. Merlot is often touted as BC's best red varietal and winemaker, Karen Gillis, has the opportunity to choose grapes from a number of vineyards across the Okanagan. Considering the fact that there are now $60-plus BC Merlots out there, she's doing well to produce a varietally correct wine that doesn't break the bank.

I think the strong point with this wine is that it is easy to drink. I generally prefer a little more structure and tannin with my Merlot, but then that pretty much requires food and this bottle could easily be a cocktail party sipper. If I'd really been thinking, I would have opened a bottle of both the Classic and the Reserve to check out the difference but I don't know if we have any of the Reserve on hand. We'll have to save that effort for another post.

In the mean time, we'll just lift our glasses and send a little seasonal toast to the gang at Red Rooster. We'll hopefully be able to make it up their for the Spring Pruning Party that's a big part of the thrill of being an adoptive parent.