<H1>Heron 2004 Merlot, France -- SidewaysWineClub.com Shopping Cart</H1> <B>$11.99</B> -- <I><B>Voted "Best Value"!</b> This wine is used as a benchmark at the famed wine school in Montpellier. Need I say more?</I> <P> <IMG SRC="https://store.nexternal.com/sideways/images/heron_toplogo1.gif" WIDTH=150 ALIGN=right ALT="Heron 2004 Merlot, France" NAME="Heron 2004 Merlot, France" BORDER=0 HSPACE=10> <font face=arial><font size=3> <B><u>Tasting Notes</b></u> <br>Very concentrated nose, dense color, and the notable character that can only be obtained in a wine from old vines, low yields, extended maceration and great terroir - in this case, the Languedoc region. Look for ripe plums and cherries, dusty earth, dark fruits like currants and cassis, deliciously mingled with a mocha finish. <P><B><U>Commentary on Merlot</b></u> <br>Many a foolish wine snob has dismissed Merlot at least once in their life. <i>"Merlot should be relegated to the role of the blending grape"</i>, they sniff. And then there's the jab to the chin from Miles in Sideways, despite the fact that his prized Cheval Blanc was primarily Merlot. <P>This wine also has French roots, though from a much more affordable area (expect to separate from a C-note for a good bottle of Cheval Blanc!) The Languedoc region just recently received its AOC designation, however, and I was impressed with their wines at a recent tasting. Watch for this region to come on strong in the future, and buy now before it becomes the next Priorat.</P> <P> <LI>SKU: HR-MER-FRA-04 </P> <P><B>Other products in the category <A HREF="http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Category2" TITLE="All Wines (alphabetically)">All Wines (alphabetically)</A>:</B> <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product744 TITLE="Adelaida Cellars, 2005 &quot;Schoolhouse Crush&quot; (Red Rhone Blend)">Adelaida Cellars, 2005 "Schoolhouse Crush" (Red Rhone Blend)</A> -- The classic red blend from the South of France. Good value! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product710 TITLE="Andrew Murray Vineyard, 2004 Enchante (Roussanne, Marsanne)">Andrew Murray Vineyard, 2004 Enchante (Roussanne, Marsanne)</A> -- This wine has really come into its own since my first tasting of it, two years ago. A full white wine alternative to Chardonnay. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product527 TITLE="Andrew Murray Vineyard, 2005 Esperance (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre)">Andrew Murray Vineyard, 2005 Esperance (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre)</A> -- This wine is a favorite at the <a href="http://www.tastesofthevalleys.com">Tastes of the Valleys wine bar</a>, where you can taste the wines of our most recent club shipments. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product691 TITLE="Andrew Murray Vineyard, 2006 Grenache">Andrew Murray Vineyard, 2006 Grenache</A> -- Much lighter than the heavy 2005, but still a big wine, for a Grenache. Look for the usual Grenache exhuberance - gregarious fruit with enough earthiness to keep it from being a caricature. You won't find this anywhere! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product748 TITLE="Arcadian 2000 Syrah, Garys' Vineyard">Arcadian 2000 Syrah, Garys' Vineyard</A> -- A Library wine from the cellar of Arcadian Winery and the famed Vineyard of Garys Pisoni & Franscioni <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product530 TITLE="Arcadian 2003 Chardonnay, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard">Arcadian 2003 Chardonnay, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard</A> -- This Chardonnay exhibits re fruit, buttery and more Montrachet than Chablis! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product561 TITLE="Arcadian 2003 Pinot Noir, Dierberg Vineyard">Arcadian 2003 Pinot Noir, Dierberg Vineyard</A> -- A big noseful of cherries and roses with a nice hint of oak spice. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product529 TITLE="Arcadian 2003 Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard">Arcadian 2003 Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard</A> -- A big noseful of cherries and roses with a nice hint of oak spice. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product711 TITLE="Arcadian 2003 Syrah, Star Lane Vineyard">Arcadian 2003 Syrah, Star Lane Vineyard</A> -- This wine is unlike most domestic Syrah - more refined, reserved, well-bred. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product721 TITLE="Arcadian Winery 2004 Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard">Arcadian Winery 2004 Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard</A> -- My favorite from our tasting of Arcadian Pinots, but it was a photo finish! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product638 TITLE="Arcadian Winery 2005 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands">Arcadian Winery 2005 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands</A> -- Another great pinot from pinot-master, Joe Davis. A blended wine from Gary's Vineyard and Sleepy Hollow Vineyard. Drinking well now through 2012 <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product663 TITLE="Astrale E Terra, 2002 Arcturus (Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak Appellation)">Astrale E Terra, 2002 Arcturus (Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak Appellation)</A> -- I am pleased to include this mouth-filling Napa Cab in our portfolio! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product645 TITLE="Au Bon Climat, 2004 Hildegard (White Wine - Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Aligote)">Au Bon Climat, 2004 Hildegard (White Wine - Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Aligote)</A> -- This delicious blend of three white grapes is often found on premium wine lists but is difficult to find in wine shops. Except here. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product498 TITLE="Au Bon Climat, 2004 Pinot Noir, Le Bon Climat Vineyard">Au Bon Climat, 2004 Pinot Noir, Le Bon Climat Vineyard</A> -- The <i>Le Bon Climate</i> vineyard is the winery's estate vineyard, just outside the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product652 TITLE="Au Bon Climat, 2005 Chardonnay, &quot;XXV&quot; (Nuits Blances au Bouges)">Au Bon Climat, 2005 Chardonnay, "XXV" (Nuits Blances au Bouges)</A> -- One of the Chardonnays that put the Central Coast on the world wine map! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product526 TITLE="Au Bon Climat, 2005 Pinot Noir, Isabelle">Au Bon Climat, 2005 Pinot Noir, Isabelle</A> -- <B>The #1 seller at the Tastes of the Valleys wine bar! #1 Pinot of 2007 by S.F. Chronicle!!</b> Deep red and purple fruit, clean and crisp and delicious. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product707 TITLE="Au Bon Climat, 2005 Pinot Noir, Knox Alexander">Au Bon Climat, 2005 Pinot Noir, Knox Alexander</A> -- The wine in this bottle explains why Jim Clendenen has been "Winemaker Of The Year" three times. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product745 TITLE="Au Bon Climat, 2005 Pinot Noir, Los Alamos Vineyard">Au Bon Climat, 2005 Pinot Noir, Los Alamos Vineyard</A> -- A classic Pinot Noir by famed winemaker Jim Clendenen with fruit from the vineyard that launched his winery 25 years ago!! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product544 TITLE="Barham Mendolsohn, 2004 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley">Barham Mendolsohn, 2004 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley</A> -- A nice blackberry theme adds depth and nicely complement this wine's ample "cherriosity". <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product653 TITLE="Barrack, 2005 &quot;Brand&quot;, Bordeaux Blend">Barrack, 2005 "Brand", Bordeaux Blend</A> -- <B>"A Wine Bar Favorite"</b> Another gem from Winemaker Doug Margerum, with happy grapes from Happy Canyon Vineyard <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product712 TITLE="Barrack, 2005 &quot;Ten Goal&quot;, Bordeaux Blend">Barrack, 2005 "Ten Goal", Bordeaux Blend</A> -- The premium Bordeaux Blend from Barrack Winery, from the talented hands of Winemaker Doug Margerum and the happy grapes from Happy Canyon Vineyard <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product593 TITLE="Barrel 27, 2005 &quot;Head Honcho&quot; Syrah">Barrel 27, 2005 "Head Honcho" Syrah</A> -- Deep without being over-powering, masculine and elegant at the same time. A favorite at our wine shop!! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product718 TITLE="Beckmen Vineyards, 2007 Grenache Rose (Purisima Mountain)">Beckmen Vineyards, 2007 Grenache Rose (Purisima Mountain)</A> -- One of my favorite summer wines! A missionary wine sure to convert any lost soul who still thinks of blush wines as White Zinfandel. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product15 TITLE="Benjamin Silver Wines - 2001 Pinot Noir, Lake Marie Vineyard">Benjamin Silver Wines - 2001 Pinot Noir, Lake Marie Vineyard</A> -- <B>A Miles' Pinots Selection</b> <i>"An exceptional young winemaker in Santa Barbara County, Benjamin Silver is going to be heard about, just you watch."</i> Matt Kramer <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product297 TITLE="Benjamin Silver Wines - 2002 Syrah-Mourvedre, Santa Barbara County">Benjamin Silver Wines - 2002 Syrah-Mourvedre, Santa Barbara County</A> -- Benjamin only made a few cases of this precious stuff! I've found his Rhone varietals to be as tastefully put together as his more famous Pinots. Enjoy! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product751 TITLE="Big Basin Vineyards, 2005 Syrah, &quot;Rattlesnake Rock&quot;">Big Basin Vineyards, 2005 Syrah, "Rattlesnake Rock"</A> -- A huge wine I enthusiastically support, despite my old world palate! Just 340 cases produced. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product758 TITLE="Breggo Cellars - 2006 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley">Breggo Cellars - 2006 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley</A> -- <B>A Miles Pinot Selection</b> An emerging star from the Anderson Valley, where stellar pinot noir is becoming almost expected. An impressive first vintage! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product742 TITLE="Bricco Buon Natale, 2000 Nebbiolo-Barbera">Bricco Buon Natale, 2000 Nebbiolo-Barbera</A> -- 2008-06 Jack's Club Selection <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product154 TITLE="Buttonwood - 2000 Trevin, A Bordeaux Blend">Buttonwood - 2000 Trevin, A Bordeaux Blend</A> -- <B>A "Library Wine"</b> Richly flavored and full-bodied, a wine of classic dimension. Just 636 cases produced. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product330 TITLE="Buttonwood - 2005 Sauvignon Blanc">Buttonwood - 2005 Sauvignon Blanc</A> -- Sauvignon Blanc is Buttonwood's signature wine. Try this and you'll see why. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product480 TITLE="Buttonwood - 2006 Ros&#233;">Buttonwood - 2006 Rosé</A> -- This dry rosé was desitned to go with food, not just for sipping! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product701 TITLE="Calzada Ridge 2007 Viognier">Calzada Ridge 2007 Viognier</A> -- Last summer, we sold more of this wine than any other white wine in our shop. Only 90 cases made! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product722 TITLE="Cass Winery, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)">Cass Winery, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)</A> -- When it comes to Bordeaux varietals like this Cabernet, Paso Robles rocks! (90 Points, Wine Enthusiast) <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product765 TITLE="Chameleon Cellars, 2004 Barbera">Chameleon Cellars, 2004 Barbera</A> -- A grape that hails from Northern Italy, where it plays second fiddle to the noble (and expensive!) Nebbiolo grape, this Barbera is a great value in an everyday red! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product743 TITLE="Chameleon Cellars, 2005 Sauvignon Blanc &quot;Eagle Rock&quot;">Chameleon Cellars, 2005 Sauvignon Blanc "Eagle Rock"</A> -- A surprisingly affordable Sauvignon Blanc! A refreshing everyday wine to enjoy all summer long! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product459 TITLE="Clautiere Vineyard, 2005 Estate Viognier">Clautiere Vineyard, 2005 Estate Viognier</A> -- <B>A Jack's Selection!</b> This wine firmly but politely <i>demands </i>your attention! Buy a case of this affordable wine and use it as an effective "mood enhancer" on those Blue days. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product713 TITLE="Clendenen Family Vineyards, 2006 Tocai Friulano">Clendenen Family Vineyards, 2006 Tocai Friulano</A> -- Another superb wine from uber-talent Jim Clendenen. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product543 TITLE="Clos Mimi, 2005 Syrah, Petite Rousse">Clos Mimi, 2005 Syrah, Petite Rousse</A> -- Blindfold me and I'll identify this wine as old-world. From somewhere in the South of France. Complex, country air, ripe blue fruits with hints of pepper and smoked meat and smoldering vineyard clippings and... I could go on and on. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product715 TITLE="Core Wines - 2005 &quot;Core Red&quot;">Core Wines - 2005 "Core Red"</A> -- Like a taste of Southern France, this is a big wine for those who love a wine with backbone. <b>Now available by the half-bottle!</b> <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product714 TITLE="Core Wines - 2005 Hard Core">Core Wines - 2005 Hard Core</A> -- In this wine, Dave Corey blends the Mourvedre and Grencahe grapes of the Rhone Valley with Cabernet Sauvignon. A "Super Rhone", if you will. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product430 TITLE="Costa De Oro - 2004 Chardonnay, Reserva Dorada">Costa De Oro - 2004 Chardonnay, Reserva Dorada</A> -- <B>Very Limited!!</b> Extended aging prior to release and generous malo-lactic fermentation results in a big white wine that is well integrated. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product429 TITLE="Costa De Oro - 2005 Estate Chardonnay">Costa De Oro - 2005 Estate Chardonnay</A> -- <B>Very Limited!!</b> A great bargain for a Chardonnay of this breeding. Leans toward the bigger style, but with enough crispness to avoid being cloying. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product247 TITLE="Daniel Gehrs Wines - 2005 Chenin Blanc, &quot;Pinnacles&quot;">Daniel Gehrs Wines - 2005 Chenin Blanc, "Pinnacles"</A> -- Steel tank fermentation preserves the beautiful frangrance of this wine. Bone dry, Loire-style wine. Stands up to Goat Cheese, salad dressings, fish with lemon... <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product741 TITLE="Domaine Alfred, 2005 &quot;Da Red&quot;">Domaine Alfred, 2005 "Da Red"</A> -- A most intriguing blend of Pinot Noir and Syrah. A luscious and friendly everyday red. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product749 TITLE="Domaine Alfred, 2006 Chardonnay &quot;Califa&quot;">Domaine Alfred, 2006 Chardonnay "Califa"</A> -- A rich Chardonnay with sufficient structure to create an enticing wine. Califa is only produced when the vintage justifies this premium bottling! 648 cases produced. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product351 TITLE="East Valley Vineyard, 2004 Pinot Noir">East Valley Vineyard, 2004 Pinot Noir</A> -- One well-respected winemaker described this wine as "the most complete Pinot I've tasted in a long, long time". Rewards aging. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product595 TITLE="Flying Vines, 2005 Pinot Noir, Laetitia Vineyard">Flying Vines, 2005 Pinot Noir, Laetitia Vineyard</A> -- A fine Pinot under screwcap to assure it's taint-free! Great conversation piece. Better yet, great wine! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product552 TITLE="Foppoli Wines, 2006 Unoaked Chardonnay, Russian River Valley">Foppoli Wines, 2006 Unoaked Chardonnay, Russian River Valley</A> -- I poured this wine for my Chardonnay-hating wife and she loved it! <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product702 TITLE="Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir (Sparkling)">Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir (Sparkling)</A> -- This beautiful sparkling wine is perfect for celebrations big or small. As brilliant in the glass as on the palate. <BR clear=left><BR><LI><A HREF=http://www.nexternal.com/sideways/Product394 TITLE="Heron - 2004 &quot;Sexto&quot; Blend of six Spanish grapes">Heron - 2004 "Sexto" Blend of six Spanish grapes</A> -- When I tasted this wine it delivered everything I expected in an old world wine, for very little money. Laely Heron has done it again! </P> <BR clear=left><BR><P><A HREF="http://www.nexternal.com/sideways" TITLE="SidewaysWineClub.com Products">SidewaysWineClub.com Products</A></P> <BR clear=left><BR><BR><BR><BR> <BR><A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">wine</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">pinot noir</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">rhone wine</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">wine club</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">cult wine</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">sideways wine</A> <A HREF="http://www.SidewaysWineClub.com">sideways the movie</A> <BR>SidewaysWineClub.com Online Store powered by Nexternal <A HREF="http://www.nexternal.com" TITLE="ecommerce solutions">ecommerce solutions</A>
 
SidewaysWineClub.com Wine Clubs Buy Wines Community Gifts
Free Newsletter Sideways on DVD About Us Privacy Policy