Molon Lave 2010 Merlot; The missing link to pasta night0

As the temperatures start their odd fluctuation, often as they do prior to a bitter and overwhelming start to summer, I try to really push as many of my warm home cooked meals as much as possible. Tonight I decided that I would start my dinner with a small antipasto, followed up with tri-colored Tortellini and some homemade meat sauce, fresh made garlic bread, and capped off with some left over homemade cannolis. Well, all seems to be perfect according to my stomach, however my palate had a few words for my stomach, and I’ll give you a hint about what it’s missing. What in the world out of all of my wines in the rack can I pair with this meal. Dumb question, plenty! The problem is, for a typical Tuesday night do I dare to waste one of my favorite reds? Then again, if I purchased the bottle, it is obviously a damn good wine. So now what? Well, I narrowed it down to Molon Lave Merlot or Sunset Hills Syrah. As the Sunset Hills Syrah is a Wine Club only release, I decided to go with the Molon Lave Merlot ($22). From what I remember I enjoyed it during my tasting; Obviously if I bought the bottle! Well I trust my judgement so how was the wine…it’s okay I knew what you were thinking.

After sitting my wine rack for the better part of a year, or close to it, this wine paired perfectly. The gorgeous ruby colors sparkled with crystal clear, displaying the still present youth years of the wine. The well-balanced acidity meshed well with the often typical homemade sauce that I made. The Merlot offered up a dark cherry and plum ensconced aroma soothed out with toasty oak notes, rolling over the palate with more of the black cherry and oak flavors. The finish was brushed up nicely with a very smooth and light spice that lingered for the better part of a few moments. This wine would hold its own in this situation, but keeping it in the rack where I had intended on keeping it would be your best bet. The wine was fantastic, even for its youthful qualities, I can’t even imagine how tasty this would be in 2-3 years. Oh well! Like most cases, I just couldn’t wait! Regardless, a great pairing, and worth your consideration to try the next time you’re in the Warrenton area. Drop by Molon Lave, try a taste of the Merlot and let them know that Virginia Pour House sent you!

 

Overall Rating: 87 Points