Mrs TWC brought home a box of wine the other day which included a bottle of 2008 Bogle Merlot. TWC gave her a big hug and then wrinkled his nose when she warn't lookin'. I know it isn't polite, but I mentioned that I don't really care for Bogle Merlot. Just so she'd know for next time. She nodded. And smiled.
Course, ABC laws in this state are simultaneously protectionist while serving to hinder the marketing of wine. Government does that well. But, for all its legion of faults, Ca liquor law is positively laissez-faire in comparison to many other states. Still, if you decide you were mistaken about the booze you bought, you're tough outta luck. You cannot return any alcoholic beverage for a refund. Not even if the baby needs formula and diapers. It has something to do with retailers buying from unlicensed sellers. As if returning a bottle of booze equates to selling it to Bev-Mo or Cost Plus. Sole exception: If the bottle is corked or tainted, it can be swapped out, but that's it.
Long way around the barn to say that TWC was forced *by law* to drink the Bogle Merlot, which is a mighty cavalier position for the State of California to take on the subject of alcoholism. Oh sure, the bureaucrats talk a good fight about demon rum, but in the end, when the alkie buys a pint of Wild Irish Rose and subsequently has an ephiphany, the local liquoria isn't going to refund his money and take the booze back.
The happy surprise here is that the 2008 Bogle Merlot is a pretty decent Merlot. Priced from $7.00 to maybe $11.00, it is an affordable wine that will pair well with BBQ or roast beef. It is a good week night wine that you could also drag along to a casual dinner party. You could even re-gift it without any guilt.
WINEMAKER NOTES
Concentrated and full-bodied, the 2008 Merlot is a study in contrasts. Subtle and silky, yet bright and intense, this deep red wine is multifaceted. Dark plum fruit greets the nose, while the brighter fruit of summer cherry dazzles the palate. The toast and spice of twelve months in American oak seamlessly integrates with the tannin structure of this wine, which is ready to drink now through 2013.
Our condolences to the Bogle family on the loss of Patty Bogle who passed on a week ago.
As Always,
TWC