Quick Swirl: Casa Julia Merlot 2003 $10 (PB)

This is just another success from the growingly reliable country of Chile. This Merlot is a pretty ruby in the glass with a youthful tinge of purple passion. The bouquet is light at first with green peppers and peppery spice opening up with some air in twenty minutes or so with fuller aromas of berries. It is initially a bit flabby in the mouth but again opens with some breathing to a somewhat unexciting, but never the less balanced, wine that is a credit to its country. This is a straightforward Merlot, with nice berry flavors and another success from Chile. At $10, you have to love it. Raise a glass and you’ll see!