The 2010 Coppola Diamond Collection Merlot is 80% Merlot, 19% Petite Sirah and 1% Syrah sourced from vineyards all over California (they mention Paso Robles, Sonoma and Monterey as some of the vineyard locations), though the core of the vineyards used has been the same since 1996. This Merlot was aged in French oak barrels for one year. French oak is the most expensive of all the oaks used for wine (American, Hungarian, etc.) and a single barrel can cost over $1,000, when you get 25 cases of wine for each barrel, you can see that the costs can quickly add up. Coppola has been producing the Diamond Collection Merlot since the 1997 vintage and the 2010 grape harvest was down in terms of yield, but the grape quality was generally good. This Merlot can be found on the web for between $17 and $10. The alcohol content is 13.8%.
The color is a crystal clear black cherry red, very shiny and clean looking. The nose is a little toasty oak, red plums, freshly mown lawn and cinnamon spice. This Merlot has a medium mouthfeel, with nice bright, juicy flavors. It starts with just picked blueberry and French vanilla, soft and smooth black cherry and a touch of POM Wonderful. The mid palate shows a slight grab in the back of you palate from the tannins (this is a good thing, shows that this is a Merlot with good structure), cassis, orange zest and a final cooling hit of whipped cream. The acidity is well balanced, this Merlot has nice length and the finish is fairly strong and long lasting.
The Coppola Diamond Collection Merlot has full bodied flavor in a medium bodied wine, it is a very pleasing juxtaposition. This is an extremely versatile Merlot, juicy and flavorful without being overpowering, it would pair well with blackened catfish and also help complete a bacon wrapped filet. While having the depth and complexity to make it a good backporch sipper.
this bottle was received as a sample
