Top Picks for Merlot

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

Garnet black color. Aromas of fine leather, tiramisu, roasted cherries, and fine black pepper with a round, vibrant, dryish medium body and a smooth, very complex, very long pickled plums, suede, and roasted nuts in chocolate finish with moderate oak flavor. A decadent Merlot with the varietal’s hallmark plushness; delicious depth of flavor.

Awards: '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $20 and Under' Best Value US Merlot

Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate covered cherry and vanilla latte with a satiny, lively, bone-dry medium-to-full body and a warming, medium-long finish conveying notes of ripe bing cherry, mace, stewed raspberry, and cedar with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A sumptuous Merlot that delights in red and black fruits laced with vanilla and baking spice finishes strong and smooth

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.

Garnet black color. Aromas of baked plum with butter crust, stewed strawberry, chocolate ganache, iodine, and star anise with a slightly chewy, lively, full body and a peppery, interesting, medium-long fig bar, ground fennel seed, palo santo smoke, and green peppercorn finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bold Merlot with lush fruit and an unmistakable cocoa note that will stand up to grilled and heavy proteins.

Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of milk chocolate, black plum, molasses, and dried herbs with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry medium-full body and a peppery, engaging, long finish evoking accents of cinnamon baked blueberry, stewed blackberry, white pepper, and clove studded plum with firm, grippy, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. An elegant blend that shows red and dark fruit concentration and sparks of herbs and spices.