Tasting - Bay Bridge Merlot

Name: Bay Bridge Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Region: Central Valley, California
Country: United States of America
Price: $4

Wine Critic: “Big oak on the nose. Light fruit flavor that gives way to vanilla and quickly disappears. It is fine, especially at this price. You get fruit and oak, it just has a less impressive finish.” - Z.A. (Mar. 13, 2021)

Wine Folly: From "Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide" by Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack, it is noted on page 312 that Merlot grapes are very bold in flavor. Defining characteristics of merlot include cherry, high tannins, and smoky aromas. It is noted that this type of grape pairs well with smoked foods.

My Thoughts: On the bottom shelf of my local grocery store, this bottle caught my eye. $3.99 for a 750ml bottle of wine in today’s economy? There is an adage that says, “you get what you pay for” and today I am putting that to the test with wines. The bottle dawns the Golden Gate Bridge, so this is a new-world California-based brand. Taking a swirl, initial notes are berries. It smells very acidic. I do not like it at all. It is very fruit forward and not very good. It is too sweet and there is a harsh finish. It is very one dimensional in terms of taste. I cannot find secondary notes at all. The wine is very mild and has no tannic qualities. Seems watered down if anything. The wine is youthful yet very light in color; it seems to be a contradiction. I think I am a little too harsh as the bottle is only $4 but this is not a bottle I will buy again.

I give it a 56/100.