Top Picks for Merlot

Dark burnt sienna color. Mature aromas of tomato leaf, ripe cherry, graphite, geranium, leather patina, vanilla scented tobacco, and olives with a velvety, vibrant, fruity full body and a warming, very complex, very long cedar incense, dried figs, black tea, cigars, hint of violet, damson plum, and licorice finish with silky tannins and heavy oak flavor. Astoundingly skillful use of oak makes for an uncommonly silky red with intense, complex notes of fine tobacco, tea, and leather; absolutely a must-try.

Burnt sienna color. Aromas and flavors of pickled berries, horse blanket, leather, chocolate-studded toffee, smoked meats, vanilla latte, and roasted nuts with a velvety, crisp, fruity light body and a sleek, subtle, medium-long finish with well-integrated, silky tannins. A wild and free Merlot with balanced brett influence and an "all-natural" Francophone style.

Awards: 2020 Best New Jersey Vinifera Red

Dark dusty violet color. Complex aromas of dried berries, black tea, cured meats, patent leather, and toasted crumpet with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a seamless, subtle, long tomato leaf, rosemary, chocolate sorbet, and cigar box finish with well-integrated, silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. This upstanding New Jersey Merlot is well-refined, impeccably balanced, and completely delicious; pair with steak dinner tonight.

Dark dusty garnet color. Inviting aromas and flavors of cinnamon-dusted dark chocolate, dark-roasted espresso beans, hints of earth, and lingonberry with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a warming, complex, long finish revealing touches of ripe plum, candied ginger, and chai latte with moderate oak flavor. A bold, distinctive, wonderfully balanced Merlot for now or later; serve with excellent meals and excellent company.

Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of raspberry preserves, apricot tart, red and black licorice, and caramel with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a warming, involved, long finish with accents of coconut, almond, and dried pineapple with moderate oak flavor. A balanced, never-heavy Merlot with distinctive Temecula flair; enjoy peachy nuances and a highly drinkable style.

Ruby black color. Aromas of cigars, spiced raisins, hazelnut, grilled cherries, and raspberry with a round, vibrant, dry medium-full body and a warming, complex, very long chocolate, espresso beans, and black olives finish with well-integrated, chewy tannins and heavy oak flavor. A knockout Merlot from Oak Knoll that delivers great complexity and depth.

Black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of sweet tobacco, figs, raspberry jam, black olives, and toasted almonds with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, complex, long finish displaying notes of leather and pie crusts with well-integrated, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A spot-on Napa Merlot that won’t let you down.

Black garnet color. Aromas of blistered berries, grilled root vegetables, green bell pepper, fava beans, and earth with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, medium-long mixed berry tart, tomato leaf, caramel, white peppercorn, and tobacco finish with moderate oak flavor. A charmingly green and smoky Merlot with great body and lengthy finish.

Dark dusty ruby color. Aromas of ripe Montmorency cherry, tiramisu, and dried herbs with a velvety, vibrant, medium body and a smooth, nuanced, medium-long marinated grape leaves, custard, tea leaves, aniseed, and leather finish with well-integrated, silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. Great balance and decadent texture make this a knockout New Jersey Merlot; great depth and terroir.

Brick red color. Aromas of candied cherry, raspberry gelee, and red bell pepper with a round, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a complex, long leather, licorice, cola, and cafe au lait finish with silky, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A silky, well integrated Merlot that will fit right in with an excellent steak.