A Previously Featured Wine

from the former E-Zine

Heron Merlot

A French Wine for the American Market

Laely Heron recognized the need to produce an oaky, well priced Merlot, of superior quality for the US market. She scoured the South of France, buying the best Merlot she could find. She blended the Merlot and aged it in new French oak.

The results are reminiscent of the early 80s Merlots that so dramatically changed the American wine drinking habits.

When I first tasted Heron Merlot, I was immediately reminded of 1982 Clos du Bois Alexander Valley Merlot. The Heron was as rich and delicious as the Legendary Clos du Bois, and without the addition of 25% Cabernet Sauvignon of the California wine.

This is significant because French wine laws dictate that any wine which is labeled with the varietal name, in this case Merlot, be composed entirely of that varietal. This often leads to French Merlots being softer in style than the American market prefers.

Update: Laely has been doing well over the years and now also offers a Chardonnay and a Syrah.