Crane Lake Merlot 2004 wine review by (PB)

One of the trade marks of this blog is that we tend to review wines (which, for the most part, we have to buy) that are on the lower end of the spectrum as far as cost. We just don't believe the vast majority of people "out there" are willing to spend $30 or more for a bottle of wine with any regularity. While I would certainly love to do so, there are such realities as light bills, heating bills, food, you know that sort of thing. So we try to look for "bargain wines" that are much better than might be expected by their price point.

This wine typically sells for less than $5. While it is potable, and you can't expect much for that price, this wine lives up to its price point.

It is a pretty color with a purple tint and bouquet that reminds me of the jug wines I used to buy when that was all I could afford.

The palate is on the sweet side with shallow flavors, no character, no varietal similarities to the Merlot grape but other than that it is passable as a wine you can push some food down your gullet with. In this case, you get what you pay for! Raise a glass of something else.