If you’ve 337‘d at dinner or at a party, you’ll want to read this and pick up a 181!
Enter
181
Merlot
2008
I really enjoyed my bottle of 337 wine last year. When I saw that there was another wine by the 337 people called 181 Merlot – I knew I needed to pick it up.
With a tag line of “Born in France, raised in America” this bourduex styled wine is a Merlot that even Miles Raymond in the movie Sideways would consider trying!
The merlot grapes used in this bottle are actually clones of vines from Pomerol in Bordeaux region of France. Did you just have your “OH! I get it!” moment by getting that “Born in France, raised in Amercia” statement! ha … I did!
At first when I heard about the grape vine cloning concept, my mind went straight to some sort of “sci-fi” movie in my head. Like there is a whole underground scientific community that are on a secret mission to maniuplate grapes into some sort of gigantic huge Merlot grape that ends up stomping thru New York City and this team of guys with scuba tanks on their back shoot down….. okay I may have been thinking of GhostBusters there. Never Mind.
The cloning process actually is more of a control issue from what I have read and the end result is … or should be … perfection! Of course Mother Nature always has her say, but this 2008 Merlot is pretty darn good!
With tastes of black stone fruitiness, a warmth you’ll remember and a hint of spice, I savored every sip! On it’s own, it’s not a heavy wine, more of a lighter full bodied wine. The website suggests pairing this wine with lamb kebabs, roast beef and hearty sauces.
Do you have a favorite Merlot? Or do you think after trying this it might be your “go-to” Merlot? Love to hear your thoughts below!
Cheers to 181′s!
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Photo Credit: 181wine.com
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds like great wine, Jennifer. I generally prefer the bolder Cabernet Sauvignon to the softer Merlot. But it’s been a while since I’ve had one, so I’ll see if I can get my hands on some up here in Ontario.
Cheers!
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Thanks Ross for stopping by! I rarely have gone to Merlot’s myself – but I loved 337 so much I was hoping for a continuation from them …. I was pleased! Stop back and let me know what you think!
Jennifer´s last blog post ..Wine Wednesday! If You’ve 337′d- You’ll Want To 181!
OHH LA-LA, I loved the wine Jennifer. Great choice and great review.
LUV your reviews, but I’d like a more comprehensive description of “black stone fruitiness.” What the heck is a “black stone?”
@Pat … glad you agree! Normally I don’t do Merlot’s … but I likey on this one.
@Rye … good call! I ate rocks as a kid, sorry.
Think black cherries mixed with a god awful heavy mineral water and then a split second taste of that mix. Sounds bad … and yet tastes fabulous in this Merlot … go figure!
Jennifer´s last blog post ..Wine Wednesday! If You’ve 337′d- You’ll Want To 181!
Jen – You have sparked my curiosity. I will try it. If nothing else… the marketing department is pretty good for these guys. Like the tag line.
Thanks! Lowanna
Lowanna … I think you’ll like it … have you tried 337 yet? It’s good as well!
Jennifer´s last blog post ..Wine Wednesday! If You’ve 337′d- You’ll Want To 181!
I tend to look for bargains under $20 & my go-to is usually KJ Sauvignon Blanc @ $12.00 but I love the rich full bodied flavor of a good red & the 181 is packed with flavor! While it may not have the robe of a higher priced Merlot I really enjoy it & it will likely be my red table wine around the house =-) Scott in Columbus, Ohio. Another great inexpensive red is Clous Du Bois Cab but it’s double the price of 181!
I tried the 181 merlot because it was on sale $2.00 off for $9.49/bottle.
It was great! I’ll buy more of that wine. I think I will be trying 337 also.
Worth the price for sure!
Thanks Connie and Scott! So glad to read other people who agree with me on this … always like finding great wines and great values!
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Nothing like a good red – This is a nice wine, no nonsense, fruity and soft. Missing the South African Cape Winelands.
Friend just gave me some of the 181 lodi 2009, I really liked it. Great flavor for a cheaper Merlot.