Fable Merlot 2008, Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Both are Vin de Pays d'Oc, and from Languedoc region.

I taste Merlot first, so I'd talk about it before Cabernet Sauvignon.

Fruity style. Black berries nose, cinnamon, and hint of green bell pepper and white pepper. But these flavors decay quickly. Very smooth mouthfeel and the palate is dominated by black berry. An easy drinking bottle.

This is probably my second Vin de Pays d'Oc, the first one should be from Mouton Cadet. Honestly, both give me similar impressions -- less tannins, easy drinking and light in nose and taste. Languedoc is at the south part of France, the weather is much warmer than Bordeaux, but these Vin de Pays d'Oc are much lighter than Bordeaux reds. So, I am wondering this is the character of Vin de Pays wines. Maybe I should buy some reds made by Bordeaux varieties from Languedoc AOCs for comparison.

The 2nd one is Cabernet Sauvignon, still a Vin de Pays d'Oc. Very similar to Merlot, but brings more coffee and chocolate flavors (still has green bell pepper and cinnamon). Besides, sweeter black berries, stronger body and more tannins than Merlot.

The same, not as strong as normal Cabernet Sauvignon, and not similar to Languedoc style.