One Glass Was All It Took - It Went Down the Sink
"This one didn't make it past the first glass. In the glass, the wine showed a brownish, muddy hue instead of the deep ruby-to-garnet you'd expect from a Merlot only five years out. That color shift is a telltale sign of oxidation or premature aging, likely from a compromised cork, poor storage, or heat exposure somewhere along the way. The palate confirmed it. The fruit had gone flat, and the finish was rough and sour, leaving an unpleasant aftertaste with none of the plum, cherry, or soft tannins this varietal is known for. It was undrinkable, and the rest of the bottle went down the sink. Verdict: Pass. That said, this may be a bad bottle rather than a bad wine. If you have the same vintage on hand, check the color before serving. Does Wine Insider take back flawed bottles?"
