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Today we are going to review a single-varietal merlot wine from the famous Purcari micro-region of Stefan-Voda – Feteasca Neagra 2018 by Domeniile Pripa. Merlot is second-most planted grape variety in the world after cabernet sauvignon and is usually regarded as the underdog to the highly priced cabernet sauvignon or cabernet franc varieties, but make no mistake, merlot wine is first class as it is more versatile and ripens earlier than both cabernet grapes, responds well to oak ageing and can be grown in both, cool climate and warm climate with the same success. With rich, upfront fruit flavors, moderate tannin and balanced acidity, merlot is an ideal food pairing wine and a safe bet for any occasion. Merlot grape (its name translates into english as ‘the little blackbird‘) is the progeny of cabernet franc and magdeleine noire des charentes – an old, esoteric french variety discovered through DNA testing. In order to gain more body structure, complexity and authenticity, this wine has been aged only in moldovan oak barriques. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:
//Visual
colour: medium-deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: rich & oaky
fruit profile: black fruits | jam fruits
__black fruits: black plum | black cherry | blackberry | aronia berry
__jam fruits: black plum jam | black cherry jam
fruit character: dehydrated & jammy
//Flavor
non fruit: spice | oak | earth
__spice: peppercorn | cloves | nutmeg
__oak: roasted oakwood | charred wood
__earth: black soil | dust | pencil lead | charcoal
primary layer: fruit & oak
//Palate
sweetness: dry
acidity: medium+
alcohol: high
tannin: high
__grip: ripe
balance: good
__dominant: alcohol
body: grippy | full body
//Taste
fruit profile: black fruits
fruit character: dehydrated
non fruit: spice & oak
finish: medium
aftertaste: seedy-crisp
//Scoring
PRIPA | Merlot | 2019
variety: merlot
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda | Purcari
rating: 92.9
//Conclusion
maturity: developing | can age for 3 to 5 more years
verdict: fine | highly recommended
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This is definitely a fine wine of Moldova and, with a total of 92.9 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.
Verdict: this is a very rich and oaky merlot wine with an extracted, fruity-expressive nose and a slightly angular mouthfeel – a wine that is still developing, thus one that requires at least 3 to 5 more years of bottle ageing before it will reach the peak of its form. It feels dusty, muscular and woody, with dehydrated and jammy black fruits in the foreground, supported by an intense, oaky-spicy background and a very subtle, earthy layer in between. On the palate the wine delivers crisp acidity, ripe and grippy tannins and an overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth that is showing through on the mouthfeel, all of which leads to a seedy-crisp aftertaste. All in all, this is a bold, new-world styled merlot wine, that requires more time to round up, as in its current state it feels a bit aggressive, lacking both, harmony and finesse on the palate. We believe it will pair nicely with spicy meats dressed in sweet sauce, like for example a blueberry-glazed filet mignon, or a classic grilled T-bone steak. Cheers!
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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a one-time donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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