I can’t help myself.  Whenever the topic of Merlot comes up, I have a flashback to the Seinfeld episode where Kramer and Mickey were on a double date.  You probably remember this exchange:

Mickey: I like Merlot.

Karen: I love Merlot.

Julie: I’m crazy about Merlot.

Kramer: I live for Merlot.

Whether you live for Merlot (or you’re simply crazy about it like I am), Arlington’s Mystic Wine Shoppe has a lovely 2009 Oberon Merlot on the itinerary for this Saturday’s free tasting.

The Oberon is grown in California’s Napa Valley and its Merlot grapes were sourced primarily from Wooden Valley, a small valley near the Vaca Mountain range.  This location allows for cooling fog out of San Francisco, which creates a longer growing season for the grapes.  The Oberon Merlot is a blend of 83.72% Merlot, 12.26% Syrah and a small balance of other varieties.

This is a big Merlot, with powerful berry flavors and dark fruit aromas (think blueberry).  Nicely tannic, smooth with a long finish.  Perfect for the cooler weather that we’re just starting to see in the Boston area.  Wine Enthusiast gave the 2009 Oberon Merlot an 87 out of 100 points.

Also being sampled during Saturday’s tasting is a 2010 Toasted Head Cabernet Sauvignon, a 2012 Sauvion Vouvray and a 2011 Vallon d’Or Pouilly Fuisse, which I’ve previously posted about.

As usual, all wines on the tasting lineup will be discounted 10%.

Wishing everyone a great Labor Day weekend.  And remember: most of September is still *officially* a summer month, so don’t get those sweaters out quite yet!