Capolan Sonoma Merlot 2004
The distinctive label is actually a reproduction of a Nick Bantock collage. Capolan is the name of a fictional tribe (council) of "good natured vagabonds", and apparently they represent Benham's search for the "sumptuous mysteries of Merlot". This is definitely a good-natured Merlot, and yet another piece of evidence that Merlot is still alive and kicking, and Derek Benham, co-founder of Blackstone hasn't given up on it.
The Purple Wine Company is Benham's Company, which already produces the enormously popular Mark West Pinot Noir as well as Avalon Cabernet and Rock Rabbit Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc.
The blend is primarily Sonoma County Merlot, but Winemaker Alex Cose cleverly added some Tempranillo for added lush complexity.
Tasting Notes: Color: Deep ruby translucent. Aromas: Cherry, bacon, cassia/spice. Medium-to-full-bodied, tart, dry, dusty with polished substantial tannins, the tart cherry pomegranate flavors and oaky accent reverberate in the dry finish.
Excellent value ($12). Closure: Composite "neocork". Alcohol content: 13.5%.
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wow i just had the pleasure of enjoying your capolan for the first time and it was a wonderful experience. great wine will buy again and again. thanks for the pleasure.
Posted by: dianne mitchell | May 27, 2007 at 08:13 AM
Where can I buy Capolan Merlot in Orang County, CA?
Posted by: Berne Hart | July 29, 2007 at 03:41 PM
Where can I buy the wine in the chicagoland area?
Posted by: dennis Lipoff | August 12, 2007 at 06:54 PM
While I admit Merlot is not my favorite grape, I did not like this at all. I decanted for a solid half-hour and I still found it watery and lacking both body and any real distinctive flavor. I thought it was very light almost too red in color compared to the rich purple you usualy see in a merlot. While it had a little more body than a Pinot, it seemed infinitely lighter than a shiraz or even a Grenache. It redally lacked texture and depth. I loved the label. Even at the price point, I just didn't think it was an enjoyable bottle of wine. Many others od, and that is great. Different people have different tastes.
Posted by: Jonathan West Bloomfield Michigan | December 15, 2007 at 08:59 AM
I bought the wine and enjoyed it very much but what caught my eye was the artwork on the bottle. It was created by an artist I have followed for years - Nick Bantock - a collage artist from England. I think it's always worth mentioning the artist when it's of the caliber that his is.
Posted by: Jan Weiss | August 07, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Trader Joe's is selling the 2005 Vintage for $3.99 per bottle.
Such a deal!
Posted by: LAyogamom | November 01, 2008 at 06:30 PM
just drunk a bottle of the 2005 Merlot, very disappointing, poor tannic finish, lacked a distinctive noise, poor legs, grapes were masked by acid and tannin-lots of body and color-definitely a wine to pass/forget.
( for the record I put out a wine newsletter in the '70 and '80'-this wine would never have made an entry unless to avoid it ! )
Posted by: tony price | November 19, 2008 at 10:53 PM