2003 Newton Napa Valley Claret. 60% Merlot, 24%Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Despite the classic composition, I wasn't overly thrilled with this one. Somewhat woody and vegetal, really firm tannins after four years, difficult to ascertain fruit components. Perhaps in a few more years? Just not quite what I was expecting for a $20 Napa Claret.I sampled it with a whole heaping helping of my various cherry tomatoes (red, yellow, pear shaped), all split in half and drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and homegrown rosemary, served alongside a bit of cold roast beef and bread.
2 comments:
I don't think that 2003 was a good vintage for Napa merlot. Maybe that has something to do with the lackluster performance of the bottle given that merlot is the majority. Also, the acid in the tomatoes and balsamic might have been too much for the wine.
I entered this wine in Google (out of curiousity)after drinking it last nite. I couldn't disagree more with the review! I found the Newton to be delicious -- tannins were just enough to lend structure to the lushness and smooth mouthfeel attendant to the Merlot. The wine had good forward fruit, though not what I would consider "jammy", and a silky smooth texture that lasted throughout its long finish. I'm gonna buy more! I don't consider myself and expert, but perhaps, as the other posting noted, the tomatoes weren't the right accompaniment (we had a grilled pork loin, but frankly the wine tasted great on its own).
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