Review: Kelly & Jones Merlot

Merlot.  The friendliest of red wines.  Generally not as tannic as heftier reds, it’s a varietal that is usually not very challenging to a newish wine drinker, and like an old friend to the experienced aficionada.  Merlot is easy to match to many foods, and even a smooth sipping wine on its own.  In Kelly & Jones’s interpretation of Merlot, I was expecting a lot of red fruits.  I guess that’s just what Merlot says to me.  What I got is indeed fruity – and quite sweet.   This is all about the red currant and the sweet, sugary violet candy.  It’s a pleasant combo, but even I–with my definite perfumed sweet tooth–find it to be a bit much.  This isn’t so much merlot as it is a dessert wine.  There is supposed to be some rhubarb in here and I think if it were a little more prominent, it might help give the fragrance a good crisp kick.  As is, though, I’m not loving this one.