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.

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.

Violet color. Aromas and flavors of black cassis, raspberry tart, espresso, and peony blossom with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, captivating, medium-long finish that shows notes of black tea and pomegranate with light oak flavor. A fresh, tender Merlot with bright fruit and cellarable style.

Dusty black violet color. Aromas of cherry blossom, cola, dill, red licorice, and clover with a satiny, fruity medium-full body and an even, nuanced, long soy-glazed plums finish with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A balanced and intriguing Merlot that offers an upstanding meal companion.

Black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of baking spices, banana-coconut cream pie, leather, flamed orange, vanilla custard, and anise with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, compelling, medium-length finish with suggestions of ganache with moderate oak flavor. A chewy and decadent, well-structured Merlot for sipping or to accompany a fine meal.

Dark violet color. Aromas of ripe wild blueberries on greek yogurt, ripe plum, vanilla gelato, black raspberry, and sweet pea blossom with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium body and a smooth, complex, medium-long chocolate sponge cake, dried mint and hint of licorice finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. Vivid blue fruit and dreamy vanilla mingle in this palate-pleasing Merlot.