Top Picks for Merlot

Ruby black color. Aromas of chocolate raisins and prunes, carob bar, spiced berries, and bacon bits and pipe tobacco with a fat body and a very long cassis tart a la mode, toffee, and chocolate fudge finish. An elegant, satiny Merlot that is drinking exquisitely right now.

Garnet black color. Aromas of spicy berry pie, creamed honey, toffee, and pipe tobacco with a fat body and a very long pickled cherries, blueberries and beets, cedar, and cocoa finish. A sumptuous, flavorful Napa merlot with power and grace.

Violet color. Aromas and flavors of bacon wrapped dates, chocolate espresso bean, bubbly berry pie crust, and bbq sweet potato chip with a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a delightful, medium-long finish revealing suggestions of plum tart, spiced nuts, and cedar with chewy, earthy tannins and heavy oak flavor. A rich, oak-forward Merlot with bright fruit and grippy tannins that is a real pleasure to savor.

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 berry cream pastry, ripe plum, chocolate mousse, and hint of aloe vera and pencil case with a full body and a long creme brulee, spiced nuts, blueberry pancakes, and black cherry finish. A wonderfully sleek and appetizing merlot with fine varietal character and balance.

Dusty ruby color. Attractive aromas and flavors of spumoni gelato, white chocolate macadamia cookie, and boysenberry jam with a silky, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an effortless, captivating, long finish with accents of plum tart and ground almond with well-integrated, chewy tannins and light oak flavor. A vibrant and layered Merlot with great table appeal; drinks like a super Tuscan.

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.