Saturday, January 13, 2007

2002 Planeta Merlot

Planeta is one of the key Sicilian wine houses, and I have had the chance to taste a number of their cuvees. Tonight's wine was probably the best I have tasted yet.

After tasting the Planeta Syrah at a recent tasting, I expected the 2002 Planeta Merlot to have explosive aromatics, but that was not the case. Somewhat pruney and uncomplex at first, it developed nice, but subtle, aromas over the evening - some blueberry, cedar, mint, musk, pepper and smoke. On the palate this wine was rich and chocolatey, with a big, velvety, tannic kick. Well balanced with nice, but perhaps overripe, fruit. The tannins, fruit and the persistency are there, so this wine should age nicely.

Overall, a very hefty and substantial merlot, with a racy Italian edge. I like this. Went very well with a Greek lamb stew. Score 17.5/20, cost: est. $40-ish (gift)

7 comments:

Marcus said...

Hey, I'm in a lamb mood too!

Joe, I missed this post from Saturday and am just reading it now as I return to the SAQ...

I *just* bought the Planeta Syrah last night, thinking it was biodynamic, but I can't find any indication of this now so I'm going to exchange it for a Domaine des Béates. That aside, your notes make it sound good. But I think I'd like to save up a bit for a bigger purchase like this one. (The only reason I buying now is the WBW event this week.)

Joe said...

I sometimes backdate the posts to when I drank the wine - it was posted last night. Planeta is not biodynamic, as far as I know.
I apologize for the ignorance, but WBW is Wine Blogging Wednesday, correct? I found a link to Fork and Bottle that is sponsoring this Wednesday's event, so that must be what you are referring to. Let me know how it goes.

Marcus said...

I can understand you backdating. Wineblogs routinely face this kind of posting conundrum. Blogger should come out with a new tool just to address this issue.

Because, like you, I want a journalized take of what I've been tasting, I actually wait and post my notes one month to the day after. Originally I thought this would allow me to better research the wine and edit my prose as well as indicate the date I uncorked it. Now I'm not so sure...

Yes, you guessed right about WBW. I've posted. But not on Planeta. I took it back and got biodynamic wines from Domaine Les Béates and a Clos de la Briderie.

Joe said...

My blog actually began in May of this year, so my older comments are my notes from my tasting group's formal events over the past 3 1/2 years. For me, the delay in posting a tasting note is usually a reflection of trying to find a few free minutes away from work and the kids! I saw your post on the biodynamic wine, and I will try to taste one of those someday. How does one get involved with WBW - do I have to ask someone for permission? Is it Lenn who posts a notice for these?

Marcus said...

No permission needed. You just send your details to the monthly organizer -- in this case it was Jack hosting and his site had the theme/rules. I am supposed to be organizing one in May (I had asked Lenn last year). I should get up to speed on that! Thanks for reminding me.

Joe said...

how do I find the organizer? Who is "the keeper of the schedule"? Is it Lenn?

Marcus said...

I just wait to hear it announced shortly before the event... Lenn, Vinography and bunch of others usually give it plenty of exposure so people don't forget.