California Merlot: Hayes Ranch

A friend of mine once said, 'Every good get-together needs a screw top wine - so we can get started right away.'

I have to admit that I am a bit wary of screw top wines and boxed wines, but after trying this bottle I am willing to concede that screw tops can be just as good as corked.

Hayes Ranch 2008, Merlot, California

I've been getting into Merlots recently and this is quite a lovely bottle. It is full bodied and the tannin is not overly aggressive. Overall a very pleasant wine.

This bottle was purchased at the Emart out in Tongyeong for 17,000. Unfortunately, the same bottle costs 34,000 won in the Eungnam Emart!!! How sad! I'm going to keep a lookout for another provider, but if there is another get-together soon, I might splurge.