Blue Poles Allouran 2010

[Waiters Friend]

70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc

I recall making an extravagant claim on this forum that I have never found a satisfying 100% Merlot, even French (no, I've not tried a Petrus). There are only two wines I've tried that come close: the Irvine Grand Merlot 2006 and the MyattsField Joseph Myatt Reserve 2005 (95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet). Everything else has been lacking - all middle palate and not much else.

I tried the 2007 version of the Allouran a few years ago, as a part of the search for something Merlot based. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11645&p=92188&hilit=blue+poles+allouran#p92188. The 2010 is slightly more Merlot dominant, and from a cooler vintage. Regardless, the tasting note is similar, blackberry and a touch of tobacco, and fleshy plums. Fine tannins and a silky mouthfeel. But.......

....... something's still missing, and it's around the outside of the tongue. This is mostly a satisfying middle palate, and not enough of anything else. A shame.

[WAwineguy]

I've got a few of the 2010 Allouran stashed away - drank the first few too young and will now wait. But if I'm not mistaken it's not pure Merlot - also has Cabernet Franc in the mix. Have you tried the Blue Poles Reserve Merlot? This is a straight Merlot and their premium one - a bit pricier (well, I paid $28 vs $20 for the Allouran, so still damn cheap for a pretty hard to find good Merlot).

I would agree though - the 2006 Irvine Grand Merlot is superb - rich, think and fruity, almost nectar-like, but with finesse.

I've always liked Henschke Abbott's Prayer, although again this is a Merlot-dominant blend with a significant amount of Cabernet (and more expensive than even the Irvine).

[winetastic]

As an aside, the 2007 Allouran is drinking amazing right now

[catchnrelease]

The Blue Poles Reserve Merlot still has a dash of Cab Franc in it. When I tried it last year, I found the 2010 Allouran a bit tight and closed on day 1, but on day 2 it was singing. Maybe it's changed since then, but I think it's a wine built more for the long haul.

[WAwineguy]

I found the 2010 Allouran a bit tight and closed on day 1, but on day 2 it was singing.

I don't know how you guys do it. There's never a day 2 when I open a bottle of red.

Clearly I need help

[AaronL]

I found the 2010 Allouran a bit tight and closed on day 1, but on day 2 it was singing.

I don't know how you guys do it. There's never a day 2 when I open a bottle of red.

Clearly I need help

You open 1 more bottle than you normally would, that way you're not drinking the one wine all night. Works well if you plan to drink on consecutive days (followed by some timely AFD's). Just have to remeber not to drain the bottle on night 1

[swirler]

According to me, 2007 Allouran and Lisse 2010 Chateau Fleur is good to drink.

Definitely my favourite poster (after Michael M, of course )

[via collins]

The 2007 has been drinking well for 6 years now to my taste. The 2008 was a titch more refined. The 2011 is a superb iteration. I've put the 2010s away for a while after a less than great introduction.
I realise that won't help much Allan, sorry that it's not clicking at this stage.
But just had to weigh in!

[Waiters Friend]

I appreciate the comments above, and good to hear from you viacollins. It is ironic that I have been able to acquire a couple more bottles of those wines that DO hit the spot for me - the Irvine Grand, and the Myattsfield Reserve - sheer coincidence that Myattsfield chose this weekend to re-release limited stocks of their 2004 (77% merlot) and 2005 (95%). I've just been up the hill buying a couple of bottles of each - the only Reserves they made which are Merlot dominant.

I'm still wondering if I will ever appreciate a straight Merlot? Apparently there's this Petrus stuff that's supposed to be pretty good...........