Aromas of cassis, hazelnut, laurel and ripe black plums give way in the mouth to flavors of plum, blackberry and a hint of oak spice. The wine is medium in body, with substantial tannins that will allow for further aging and added complexity over time. This is a substantial wine that...
Rolling Wines Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot 2005
2005 was quite a dry vintage for Rolling Wines with Autumn coming quite early for them. This resulted in wines that had moderate acidity and a lovely and intense flavour. The grapes are fermented at 25 degrees C and pressed before dryness to enhance its fruit characters. The blending provides good...
Glen Ellen Proprietors Reserve Merlot
Merlot is not a shy wine. In fact, it’s one of the most outgoing varietals out there because it ripens at least a week earlier than its red counterparts. It loves to be soft and fruity, while maintaining its smooth approachability. Merlot is cherished the wold over because of its consistent...
Gaze at the deep red color, sip the deep cherry flavor, and think deep thoughts. Like how you wish you had a deeper glass. This medium-bodied Merlot reveals a fresh, black cherry aroma, with hints of tobacco and herbal spice. With a smooth texture and moderate tannins, it boasts attractive, smoky,...
Rex Goliath Winery really loves this wine. Soft, supple, and complex. There is a certain elegance to this wine that fits their vision of the perfect Merlot: Pretty and seductive with a decidedly spicy nose of black cherry, cassis and cedar. Very ripe and round, almost like a Jolly Rancher candy....
Dark ruby in color with aromas of raspberries, crème brulee, and a hint of chocolate and oregano. This Merlot has flavors of strawberry rhubarb pie, plums, green olives with pimentos, and cinnamon finishing with dried apricots, mild green tea, and toasty American oak. Serving Suggestions: This wine needs to be a...
This Merlot opens with aromas of red currant, vanilla and baking spices. On the palate you’ll find flavors of raspberry, blackberry and cola with round tannins softened by seven months of aging in French and American oak.
Redwood Creek represents the adventurous spirit of California and consistently delivers a rich flavorful experience at an attractive price. The Redwood Creek Merlot exhibits a round mouth feel with a medium mid palate weight. Flavors of black cherry, black berry, plum and jammy fruits are accentuated by hints of mocha, brown...
With an eye-catching, unique label and a memorable brand name, King Fish delivers food friendly wines that are perfect for sharing with friends and family any day of the week. This medium-bodied Merlot exhibits aromas of rich, dark fruit and a hint of chocolate. Flavors of ripe plum, cherries and tasty...
Barefoot Merlot is a luscious wine with alluring flavors of boysenberry and chocolate. Hints of anise and subtle tannins complement the decadent, silky finish.
Guenoc’s 2004 California Merlot was fermented in stainless steel and aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks, upright oak tanks and French and American oak barrels. Dark, rich and full-bodied, the 2004 Merlot is complex. Chocolate, cherries and cassis are evident; with generous fruit flavors and a layer of toasty...
This distinctive Merlot displays classic aromas of ripe red cherry and plum with hints of tobacco, herbs and vanilla oak on the nose. The wine is medium-bodied with supple and fruity flavors of cherry and spice notes on the palate, and soft tannins on the finish.
Mad Housewife Merlot marries complex flavors of blackberries and plum with hints of vanilla and spice, for a rich and smooth wine, easily pairable with an array of dishes.
Smooth and silky, BV Coastal Estate's 2005 Merlot unfolds in delicious layers of ripe cherry, berry, plum and mocha, with hints of vanilla oak. The ripe tannins provide supple structure, with an excellent balance of fruit-focused flavors and subtle oak complexity. This wine's easy-to-enjoy, velvety flavors pair nicely with pork tenderloin,...
A classic varietal nose of tart cherries, toasty oak and smoke. A medium plum color, it is very dry with herbal and red fruit flavors; light to medium tannins and body. A youthful wine with soft oak and medium acidity.
Blackstone Merlot California 375ml
The Blackstone Merlot perfectly demonstrates the Blackstone style - rich fruit aromas, elegance, supple oak characters and soft tannins. With lifted dark cherry and berry aromas and a touch of spicy clove, this wine is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The texture is ripe and soft in the mouth, with bright cherry...
Blackstone Merlot California 2007
The Blackstone Merlot perfectly demonstrates the Blackstone style - rich fruit aromas, elegance, supple oak characters and soft tannins. With lifted dark cherry and berry aromas and a touch of spicy clove, this wine is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The texture is ripe and soft in the mouth, with bright cherry...
Papio's Merlot tastes like a mouthful of ripe, summer berries. Strawberry and wild black raspberry character fills the enticing aromas and rich, smooth flavors. Hints of vanilla linger on the fruity finish. Surround yourself with cool jazz and good friends, pour glasses of Papio Merlot and indulge in food that fits...
Nathanson Creek Merlot, garnet in color and medium-bodied, shows aromas of olives and herbs with a hint of oak and berry-like flavors. It pairs nicely with red meats, hearty vegetable dishes and pasta with tomato-based sauces.
This Merlot is dark garnet in color and has aromas of fresh basil, blueberries, and Bing cherries. With good richness without being too heavy on the palate, the flavors of fresh cherry pie, sweet plum, and soft cinnamon spiked cranberry dressing finishing with notes of rich, vanilla French oak and delicate...
Fetzer Merlot Valley Oaks 2006
You’ll first notice a rich, medium Ruby Red color in this Merlot, with aromas of black cherry, cassis, red licorice, plum and a hint of sage, balanced with notes from the oak aging, including vanilla, toffee and toasty oak. The light to medium tannies provide some heft for the wine, casing...
Lovely aromatics of Emperor Cherry, blackberry, and cedar in the nose underscored with a subtle hint of pencil lead shavings. Lush red fruits fill the mouth in increasing intensity finishing with plums and a pretty green thread over the background. The tannins are substantial but melting, offering more of a velvet...
Rich and ripe, our Merlot has an inviting black cherry and plum aroma leading to a burst of wildberry flavors on the palate. This wine was barrel aged to add complexity. Pair with roast turkey, pasta with tomato sauce, osso bucco or mild cheeses.
Breathe in the aroma of cedar, smoke and ripe blackberries. Then take a sip. Lots of mouthwatering plum and berries, married with toasty, spicy oak, yield a flavor that’s round and polished.
Kenwood Merlot Sonoma 375ml 2003
Kenwood Vineyards creates its award-winning Sonoma County Merlot from vineyards located in the Sonoma, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. Grapes harvested in the cooler Sonoma Valley region are deep in color with intense berry flavors. Their Winemaker balances the blend with fruit from the warmer Dry Creek and Alexander Valley regions...
Gallo Family Vineyards Merlot Sonoma Reserve 2004
Gallo's Sonoma County Merlot showcases the softer, fuller and richer side of Merlot. The aromas are warm and inviting with hints of crushed berries, vanilla and spice. These aromas are followed by dark and deep flavors of blackberry pie, wild berries and jam, with a lush, round mouthfeel. Destemmed but not...
Dark ruby color. Fully ripe plummy aromas with hints of dark chocolate, subtle herbs and black cherry herald similarly intense fruit flavors. Medium-full bodied, with a velvety texture and ripe, lush fruit balanced by subtle acidity and mild tannins. This Coastal Merlot is juicy and deep.
The 2005 Mirassou California Merlot displays luscious fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry. These primary flavors are augmented with secondary flavors of vanilla, toasty oak and spices including clove and nutmeg. The addition of complementary varietals contributes to a velvety mouth feel and lingering, smooth finish. This wine is at...
Exotic aromas of pepper, black cherries and fresh plum are wrapped in subtle nuances of French vanilla. On the palate it has a rich and opulent mouth feel bursting with flavors of ripe fruit complimented by wonderfully integrated oak and supple tannins leading to a long, satisfying finish.
This deep, brilliant red Merlot is as smooth as diving into the great sea. Juicy blueberries and ripe strawberries lure the palate into a meandering river of black fruits, spicy clove and lush plum. Serve this to your friends on its own or with hard cheeses, grilled fare and take-out Asian...
With vibrant, jammy aromas of plums and red cherries, this attractive Merlot has a round, velvety mouthfeel and soft, lingering finish. Ripe fruit flavors complemented by just a hint of sweet, toasty oak make it the perfect match for grill flank steak and barbecued chicken.
The Cypress is the plant most associated with California’s rugged Pacific coast. Its twisted and gnarled appearance comes as a direct result of the maritime air’s persistent movement either inland or seaward. For grape growing, the ocean’s influence is significant, keeping coastal and inland valleys refreshingly cool, preserving the grape’s natural...
Francis Ford Coppola Merlot Diamond Label 375ml 2006
Francis Ford Coppola's Diamond Collection Merlot combines fruit from Napa, Sonoma, and Monterey. The flavors and textures unique to each region harmonize beautifully together to create a wine that has dark, succulent fruit balanced by natural acidity. Intense aromatics of raspberry and blueberry lead to flavors of crushed berries, vanilla, and...
Aromas of ripe cherries and cedar compliment this perfectly balanced Merlot. On the palate the bright cherry fruit and herbal tones lead beautifully into the complex finish: soft and silky, yet with ample tannins and spicy oak. Enjoy this wine with a wide range of food: from pasta with a light...
Clos Du Bois Merlot 375ml 2005
The fruit for Clos Du Bois' Merlot comes from vineyards in Sonoma County's Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. Extended maceration enhances color, flavor and mouthfeel, and aging for 18 months in 60-gallon oak barrels ads softness and a subtle vanillin component. Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and complexity, and enlivens the subtle...
The grapes for the 2006 Merlot were de-stemmed but not crushed, leaving about 20% whole berries. This Partial Whole Berry Fermentation” method was used to enhance the varietal character of the finished wine. The grapes were then fermented on the skins for five to seven days at a temperature of 88°...
Trinity Oaks Merlot, blended with 4% cabernet sauvignon, was produced from a blend of 50% coastal grapes (Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties) and 50% Lodi region grapes. After a 10-day fermentation in stainless tanks, the wine was aged in American oak uprights to round out and soften its...
Angeline Merlot Sonoma County 2005
This Angeline Merlot embodies their commitment to produce structured, elegant wines, which are abundant with layers of fruit. Their Merlot is fashioned in a fruit-forward, easy to drink style, yet it reveals admirable complexity and length. Their winemaker emphasizes the bright flavors of the fruit along with aromas of wild blueberries,...
The Merlot has a rich garnet color that is filled with aromas of toasted oak and cherry complimented by flavors of black cherry and plum. Soft vanilla oak and delicate tannins add richness to the finish.
This Merlot opens with aromas of red currant, vanilla and baking spices. On the palate you’ll find flavors of raspberry, blackberry and cola with round tannins softened by seven months of aging in French and American oak.
Wente Merlot Sandstone Vineyard 2005
Aromas of herbal tea, licorice and blackberry are accentuated by hints of spice and perfume. On the mouth, the wine is full bodied, but with a smooth mid-palate that showcases flavors of cherry and truffles alongside tobacco undertones.
Eager to please with a friendly nose of sweet black cherries, anise and the perfume of iris blossoms. Boysenberry and pomegranate flavors dominate, with toasty and earthy notes fleshing out into a creamy mid-palate. The lingering, chalky finish is complemented by very fine and elegant tannins.
Its nose has ripe berry, smoke, and spice, and these carry into the flavor as well. Raspberry and cherry notes predominate, with some smoky oak notes in the finish. The tannins are very soft, and the wine borders on sweetness.
Kenwood Vineyards Yulupa Merlot is a wine specially crafted from select barrel lots of wines made from California’s best appellations. The 2006 vintage was marked by the excellent character and flavor. Throughout harvest, fermentation and aging they kept the individual vineyard lots separate. Before bottling their winemakes taste through all of...
Camelot's Merlot offers ripe black cherry and plum aromas enhanced by hints of brambly spice and cocoa. On the palate, the wine reveals a core of concentrated black cherry and berry fruit flavors that pick up a rich note of milk chocolate in the long, elegant finish. This sumptuous red pairs...
This blend of Echelon’s best grapes comes from the benches and canyons that border the Salinas Valley. These wind-sheltered areas provide well-drained alluvial soils with warm early morning and late afternoon sunlight and cool nighttime temperatures. They enhance these excellent growing conditions with canopy management to reduce the yield, improve wine...
Sourcing from the Central Coast allows the freedom to select lots from both cool and warm growing regions in any vintage, finding the right balance to craft a wine the Goddesses can be proud of. Even Miles would appreciate the Merlot's aromatic nose of blackberry, chocolate and violets that greet you...
Even though this was a complete wine from the start, those who know me know that I’m never satisfied and so chose to blend in some Cabernet Sauvignon to add coarser tannins to the midpalate and some Petit Verdot to stretch those same tannins out at the finish. The nose stays...
This is a nice bottle of wine. The purple/garnet color shows good extract. There are aromas of vanilla and plums with a hint of oak. In the mouth, the Huntington Merlot has flavors of plum, fig, tobacco and oak. The wine is dry with bracing acidity and round tannins. This makes...
Sonoma County's maritime proximity provides the stable, mild climate that is perfect for the production of premium Merlot. We source our grapes throughout the county and aim to create a balanced blend that embodies the true taste of Sonoma. Visual Aspect: Ruby red.
Nose: Ripe black cherry, lively raspberry, plum, currant,...
Fresh cherry and tart pomegranate flavors blend with a note of green olive to round out this balanced mouthfull. Red Truck Merlot comes from the beautiful Central Coast, Lake County, and Mendocino County, which produce excellent fruit with concentrated flavors. This wine’s a trip to the county fair with aromas of...
Deep, vibrant red color with hints of purple (but no haze); lifted ripe cherry, mocha, chocolate, and spice aromas; medium-bodied, soft palate with round, generous, easy-drinking flavors. (You’re gonna like it!)
Concannon’s Selected Vineyards wines are well-loved varieties from select Central Coast vineyards and represent remarkable value. California’s Central Coast offers unmatched blending diversity from its multitude of microclimates. Cool region grapes contribute distinctive fresh fruit nuances and warm region grapes add depth of flavor and complexity. These highly acclaimed wines take...
Mondavi Merlot Private Selection
Robert Mondavi's Private Selection Merlot is made with grapes predominantly from California's Monterey County appellation. There, the vineyards enjoy a nightly blanket of cool Pacific Ocean fog, excellent soils and a long growing season. This ideal combination brings vibrant flavors and silky tannins to our Merlot including luscious layers of berry,...
Graceland Cellars Jailhouse Merlot 2005
Surrender to this soft, fruity Merlot. Nose: Medium bodied touch of dark berries and herbs.
Palate: A soft, fresh and fruity wine with slightly roasted oaknotes and hints of blueberry, vanilla and herbs. Soft tender tannins makes a nice finish.
Ideal with: Lighter meat dishes such as filet of pork, poultry...
Rutherford Hill Merlot 375ml 2005
Rutherford Hill’s Merlot is an elegant, refined blend of classic Bordeaux varietals that create its rich aroma and flavor. The winery is perched high atop a hill overlooking Napa Valley, where the grapes are nurtured by deep volcanic soil and longer afternoon sun. An abundance of cherry and plum fruit flavors...
Big waves of rich, ripe fruit flavors splash over the palate as the introduction to Gnarly Merlot. Dark, lush black cherry character is layered with hints of toasted almond, vanilla and cocoa, which carries into a smooth, intriguing finish. Gnarly Head Merlot fits right in at a beachside barbecue or a...
Luscious aromas of plum and vanilla lead into flavours of raspberries and cherries with a hint of chocolate. A velvety soft wine with a long, smooth finish.
Stick your nose in the front seat of this plush ride and you’ll smell dark blackberry and black cherry fruit, pie spices, vanilla and sweet oak toast. Start it up and you realize that this smooth-cruisin’ Merlot’s velvety cherry and spice flavors are finely tuned for maximum enjoyment.
Tin Roof 2005 Merlot was produced from a blend of North Coast and Central Coast grapes. Merlot thrives in these cool-climate regions, especially in moist alluvial soils where it develops the bright fruit and soft tannins that make the variety so appealing to premium wine lovers. Boldly flavored, smoothly textured and...
Beringer Founders Estate Merlot
Beringer is very happy with the plush structure of this wine. The wine’s bright red fruit and vanilla/spice aromas, and black cherry and sweet black plum flavors, along with the density and volume of the palate, make this wine eminently drinkable.
Winemakers Bob Pepi and Jeff Booth have blended together classic hot climate varietals from the best growing regions of California to produce a stunner of a wine called Big Red Monster. With an abundant selection of wonderful California grapes such as; Syrah, Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, it is quite easy to...
Ravenswood Merlot Vintners Blend
Merlot is by nature softer than Cabernet, which is the problem with most low-priced Merlots: they're limp to the point of being flaccid. Our Vintners Blend bucks this trend, adding the structure of French oak to the early-maturing appeal of the varietal. Merlot's opulent fresh-plum persona is here enhanced by notes...
Sterling Vintners Collection Merlot 2004
The Sterling Vintner's Collection Merlot is a clear ruby color with aromas of ripe blackberry, jammy red fruit, vanilla, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and toasty oak. On the palate are flavors of rich black fruits; ripe black cherries, blackberries and a lingering finish of fine grain tannins.
In Estancia’s quest to make a great Merlot they selected to include fruit from two regions. They chose cool-climate Monterey grapes for the exceptional texture they provide and Paso Robles for the rich California red berry characters that fruit from that region imparts in the finished wine. By blending fruit from...
Heron believes in the less is more” philosophy when it comes to the influence of the winemaker on the wine better to let the fruit express itself. The key to this Merlot is balance. To get there; ripe fruit with the right acidity was fermented and aged in a combination of...
The North Coast vineyards of Napa, Sonoma and Lake County are justly renowned for producing superb Bordeaux-style wines that possess wonderful aromas and complex layers of flavor. By cultivating vines at various elevations with different microclimates, we are able to select complementary grapes possessing wonderful aromas and flavors. With Beringer Third...
The fact is, Kunde Estate's vineyards are located at a great spot in Sonoma Valley for growing superb Merlot grapes. Go further south, and it gets too cool for the fully ripe flavors we love. Go up north in the valley and it starts to get too darn hot and dry. This wine is text book with ripe black cherry flavors, and a hint of toasty oak, supple tannins, and a milk chocolate flavor that lingers after each sip. With a texture and body falling somewhere between Cabernet and Pinot Noir, this beauty can match so many foods: pasta with fresh tomatoes, parmesan, and basil; grilled chicken or ahi; even a nice juicy steak. Enjoy the taste that comes from our Merlot-growing 'sweet spot'. -Tim Bell, Winemaker
The fruit for Clos Du Bois' Merlot comes from vineyards in Sonoma County's Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. Extended maceration enhances color, flavor and mouthfeel, and aging for 18 months in 60-gallon oak barrels ads softness and a subtle vanillin component. Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and complexity, and enlivens the subtle...
Pavilion's 2006 Merlot shows aromas of blueberry with notes of cola and unsweetened chocolate. On the pallet, there is a nice mix of bright dark cherries, rich black berries, dark currants, violets and chocolate. The lingering soft finish shows hints of rich, dark fruit.
Dark ruby color. Fairly intense dark cherry aromas also show distinctive plum, licorice, dried herbs and light vanilla scents indicative of fully mature grapes and judicious new oak usage. Medium full-bodied, with mild tannins and acidity, the fruit in this Merlot is deliciously intense and echoes the aromas, with an intriguing...
Dark ruby in color, with a nose of blackberries and plum preserves with hints of oak, cinnamon, and toasted walnuts. Screw Kappa Napa Merlot has flavors of bittersweet chocolate, cloves, and mocha coffee, with hints of licorice and raspberry, and finishes with toasty French oak notes. Serve this Merlot alongside a...
Complex cherry, chocolate and black fruit aromas jump from the nose of this Merlot. On the palate, black cherry, cedar and roasty tobacco lead to a full, round mouth with firm structure and elegance.
Cool fermented with a serious regimen of pump-overs in the early fermentation to extract the soft tannins and color during the aqueous phase. They then press before the fermentation reaches dryness to maintain the wines lush tannin structure. Finally, they put the wine in premium barrels for aging. Cool Fermentation Keeping...
Dark plum and cherry aromas are edged with notes of licorice, and unfold gradually to subtle, smoky oak. Soft and luscious on entry, with bright, almost sweet flavors of ripe stone fruit. The medium weight and stylish finish are typical of Napa Valley’s finest Merlot.
This merlot is very approachable and showcases true varietal flavors of ripe plum and black cherry. Aromas of rich black fruit, blueberries, cocoa and cinnamon stick, lead into a soft round entry with rich fruit flavors and supple ripe tannins. Blended with small amounts of Petite Sirah and Malbec to increase...
Matanzas Creek Merlot 375ml 2004
This wine begins with a dark red ruby color along with a big, sweet nose of dark fruits intermixed with espresso roast. True to the nose, this wine’s palate is further described by François as complex, layered and opulent..revealing gorgeously melted toffee notes that complement the rich bouquet of black fruits....
From Cosentino's estate vineyard at the winery, they are very selective about the unique style of this wine. It is rich, and yet bright, unusually concentrated, pungent, with big front and spice. It has bing cherries and plums with a hint of white pepper. Balanced in the mouth and nicely textured...
Every year the Tangley Oaks winemaker selects the single lot that has developed into the truest example of the esteemed Napa Valley and typicity of the Merlot grape. This Napa Valley Merlot is well balanced, showing its terroir as the aromas and flavor profile unfold. Red berries and plum show through,...
When Ray's Station tries to describe this wine, they come up with words like lush, rich, dense, concentrated. Hearty. They decided to blend some Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc into this wine to add some backbone and plump up the mid-palate. They also aged the wine in French oak barrels coopered...
DeLoach Merlot Russian River 2005
DeLoach Vineyards’ Russian River Valley Merlot has a true varietal voice with aromas of blackberry fruit leather, dusky black cherry and cedar box. Immediate flavors of sarsaparilla and cassis are framed by a kiss of oak developing into sophisticated layers of baker's chocolate and black truffles.
Toasted Head Merlot displays fragrant plum, cherry, and blackberry fruit aromas, with complementary scents of fresh herbs, vanilla, coffee, and toasted oak adding complexity. Medium-bodied and firmly structured on the palate, its fine depth of fruit and supple tannins make it both delightful on its own and a delicious accompaniment to...
This Napa Valley Merlot displays rich, ripe raspberries, black cherries and blueberries with notes of cedar and dark chocolate. A backbone of moderate tannins provides the structure for this full-bodied wine, which features a lush, lingering finish. Enjoy this wine with roast beef, grilled chicken, baked ham, a classic cheeseburger or...
Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve Merlot 2006
A blend of 96.4% Merlot, 3.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, .1% Cabernet Franc, .1% Petit Verdot and .1% Malbec. Wonderful plum, spice, currant and wild berry flavors. The soft tannins of this Bordeaux varietal carry these aromas and flavors to a long lingering finish one that beckons for another sip, or better...a glass!...
Folie a Deux Merlot Napa Valley
The aromas of this deep ruby red, full bodied Merlot is redolent of cherry, spice and black cedar. The aromas follow through to the palate accompanied by medium plus acidity and nuances of mineral and earth.
DeLoach Merlot Russian River 2005
DeLoach Vineyards’ Russian River Valley Merlot has a true varietal voice with aromas of blackberry fruit leather, dusky black cherry and cedar box. Immediate flavors of sarsaparilla and cassis are framed by a kiss of oak developing into sophisticated layers of baker's chocolate and black truffles.
Bonterra is committed to creating world-class wines that are a direct reflection of the organic vineyards in which they grow. Each varietal is a unique, individual expression of organically grown fruit and the winemaker's art. Ultimately, Bonterra's philosophy must be measured by the results—the quality of our wines. Growing acclaim from...
Rutherford Ranch's Napa Valley Merlot has bright, inviting aromas of cranberry, black currant and succulent blueberry wrapped around rich, dark chocolate and vanilla. This medium-body wine opens with fresh blackberry and cranberry laced with flavors of creamy mocha and dried cherry. Abundant, mouthwatering flavors combined with soft, supple tannins lead to...
Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot 2006
Merlot has gotten a bad rap in recent years as a wimpy wine, but Alexander Valley Vineyards is convinced they will change a lot of minds with their 2006 Estate Merlot. It's dense and rich, qualities a lot of folks associate with Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Kevin Hall calls this a Merlot...
Edna Valley's Merlot opens with inviting cherry, blackberry and vanilla aromas. Black currant and caramel develop across the palate with subtle hints of tarragon and coffee. Juicy fruit supports the body and adds length to the mid palate, with smooth tannins that hold together for a nice finish. A very approachable...
Pedroncelli Merlot Benchlands 2006
Bouquet of ripe black cherry and blueberries, flavors lean toward plum, freshly ground black pepper, and tart cherry. The subtle toasty oak complements the rich fruitiness in the mouth. Lush and full bodied, with medium tannins and a lasting finish. You can look forward to cellaring a bottle or two seeing...
Benziger’s 2005 Sonoma County Merlot has flavors of red cherry, plum, blueberry, pepper and toast. Well integrated tannins give the wine a soft, textured mouthfeel and lingering finish.
Wente Merlot Crane Ridge Reserve 2005
Crane Ridge is the gently sloping formation of hills running along the southeastern corner of the famous Livermore Valley. The Wente family’s hillside Merlot vineyards deliver fully ripened fruit with exceptional depth of character. With a smooth mouthfeel and balanced tannins, this full-bodied Merlot offers undertones of blackberry and vanilla complemented...
Harvest season manifests itself clearly in this wine, revealing black cherry and the distinctive cocoa-mineral aromas typical of Merlot. Fruit from southern Napa and cool Carneros was judiciously blended with Merlot from Beaulieu's warmer Rutherford and St. Helena vineyards, giving strong dark berry flavor and soft tannins; a subtle truffle-mineral flavor...
Ravenswood Merlot Sonoma Valley 2004
Ravenswood's taste in Merlot runs more toward the Old World discipline of Bordeaux than toward California goose-down comforters. The place in Sonoma to pursue that ideal is Ravenswood's own Carneros region, whose bayfront breezes and chilling fog keep things firm and well-structured. Their Sonoma County Merlot has notes of leather, smoke...
Sebastiani Merlot Sonoma County 2005
A warm, dry spring melded into a picture-perfect summer, with warm temperatures, cool breezes and very few hot or cold days. However, their harvest was thrown into overdrive during the last week of August, when temperatures spiked into the triple digits! A normal, ten to twelve week long harvest was compressed...
The Blackstone Napa Valley Merlot is dark, rich red in color, with pleasing aromas of dark berries, cherries and chocolate. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has a chewy structure with bright flavors of cherries and berries. The finish is soft and lingering. Enjoy this Napa Valley Merlot with smoky barbecued...
This bottle gives of a joyous expression of Merlot. The aromas are a combination of ripe black cherry, red berries and licorice accented by smoky, spicy oak. The flavors are open, bright red fruit in the mouth, with soft tannins and a long, supple finish. This full flavored Merlot is a...
Nearly opaque garnet violet color. Ripe plum and spice aromas follow through on a soft, buoyant entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with tangy apple, cocoa, and citrus custard notes. Finishes with a nice cinnamon and clove-accented fade. Pair with spicy pork dishes.
Paso Robles provides us with exceptional Merlot fruit that is typically more intense and structured than its cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon. Wild Horse Merlot is a wine that provides rich ripe fruit flavors balanced by bright acidity. The soft, rich tannins, acidity and long finish make this wine an ageworthy contender.
Rich, bright red fruit aromas. Cedary and spicy notes with a rich mouth feel.
Rich, bright red fruit aromas. Cedary and spicy notes with a rich mouth feel.
Because Merlot flourishes in relatively cool growing regions with moist soils, it’s extremely well-suited to the ancient alluvial loams, temperate climate, and long growing season of our estate vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, a sweet spot between Napa’s warmer up-valley regions and its cool southern tip. Often...
Buena Vista Merlot Carneros 2004
Bud break came early in 2004, beginning the first week of March, and unusually warm spring weather led to a growing season unlike any in recent memory. Temperatures in the 80s in March and April kicked off the growing season three weeks earlier than normal. This dry, warm weather continued into...
A satisfying Merlot that delivers layers of fruit flavors and aromas. The Stone Cellars Merlot is luscious and well-balanced with ripe strawberry and red cherry flavors, a soft-mid palate and finishing with a hint of baking spice. You'll enjoy sipping this wine as a pre-dinner aperitif or pairing it fruit-infused meat...
Chalone's 2006 Monterey Merlot is a rich, full of flavor and very approachable. Fresh, spicy aromas of berry and clove are followed by luscious flavors of dark cherry, accentuated by the soft vanilla character of the oak. Full-bodied with nicely balanced acidity, a velvety mouthfeel and medium-long finish, their Monterey County...
Move south a little in the valley where the San Pablo Bay cools the vineyards in the afternoon and you have perfect Merlot weather. The majority of the Napa Cellars Merlot blend hails from these cooler regions in Napa Valley, such as Oak Knoll and Carneros. This wine is classic Napa...
Sourced from gravel benchlands in the Alexander Valley, the Merlot displays what can best be described as opulent restraint. The palate flavors are both savory (espresso/walnut) and fruit driven (pomegranate/cherries), while the structure is at once tightly strung and plush.
Deep claret with crimson hues. Explosive blackberry aromas backed by soft vanilla notes. Dense, dark, jammy flavors of blackberry, generous spice and vanilla, firm tannins and a long, graceful finish.
Flora Springs Napa Valley Merlot has grapes from three of their vineyards in three distinct areas of the Valley were used. Each vineyard, under the management of Proprietor/Vineyard Director Pat Garvey, is farmed using sustainable and organic practices. And due to their endless diversity of soil types, exposures, and elevations, each...
Murphy Goode achieves considerable complexity of aroma and depth of flavor in this Alexander Valley Merlot through selection from several different vineyard sources. The steep hillside estates of Murphy Ranch and Robert Young Vineyards, in the heart of Alexander Valley provide the wine’s core of black fruit components, while vineyards on...
Ruby red color with complex mineral and rich briary aromas of blackberry, raspberry and black currant reiterated by tasty flavors of red berries, plum, and hints of tobacco all supported by firm, but silky tannins.
Blackstone Merlot Sonoma Reserve 2006
The Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Merlot offers pleasing aromas of fresh raspberry, black currant, clove and vanilla with a hint of earthiness. The wine is full-bodied with layers of bright red fruit, coffee and clove, finished with nice, well-integrated structure and a velvety mouthfeel. Try serving this soft and silky wine with...
Simi Winery Merlot expresses the perfect combination of their vine-specific vineyard care and the meticulous attention paid to the details in the vineyard. The lavish attention each vine receives allows Simi's winemaking staff to practice winemaking with very minimal manipulation, resulting in wines that are true expressions of the diversity of...
St. Francis Merlot Sonoma 2005
Grown in loam, clay and volcanic soil mixed with gravel, the 100% Sonoma County grapes in this wine are particularly intense. Grapes are handpicked at the peak of ripeness, selected from vineyards throughout Sonoma County, with micro-climates ranging from the hillsides of the Mayacamas Mountains to the cooler Sonoma Valley floor....
Rutherford Hill’s Merlot is an elegant, refined blend of classic Bordeaux varietals that create its rich aroma and flavor. The winery is perched high atop a hill overlooking Napa Valley, where the grapes are nurtured by deep volcanic soil and longer afternoon sun. An abundance of cherry and plum fruit flavors...
Franciscan’s Merlot grows in the cooler half of Napa Valley, from the winery’s estate in the heart of the Oakville District on south to vineyards in Carneros. These cooler vineyards give more vibrant flavors and denser structure to the wine—two qualities that are critical to growing outstanding Merlot. In the winery,...
The 2006 vintage Marilyn Merlot is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The additional flavors and structure that Cabernet gives to the predominately Merlot-based wine adds both character and aging ability. Using one-third new oak barrels (as they do for all vintages) gives the appropriate aromas of toasted...
Chateau St. Jean Merlot Sonoma Valley 2005
Aromas of sweet black cherry, black plum and toasted almonds burst from the glass of this Merlot. These bright fruit characters carry over onto the palate and mingle with notes of blackberry, dark chocolate and clove. A rich and full mid-palate, with polished tannins, leads to a lush finish with cassis...
The color is a rich ruby in depth with reddish hues. The aroma is appealing with nuances of dried cranberry, red raspberry, cherry, chocolate espresso, not to miss the subtle hints of mint and arugula. The pleasant balance in the flavor, while finishing on the crisp side, is accented by flavors...
Sebastiani Merlot Alexander Valley 2006
Located in the northern reaches of the Alexander Valley, the Lyon Vineyard, owned by winemaker Mark Lyon, forms the core of this wine, supplying the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. The rich soil is a blend of well drained, gravel and sandy loam soils, which controls vigor, water, and nutrient uptake....
Sbragia Family Vineyards Merlot Home Ranch 2005
Sbragia Home Ranch Vineyard, which has been farmed by the family for decades, is located on the East side of Dry Creek in Sonoma County, California. The eight-acre Merlot vineyard sits on the flatland of Dry Creek Valley, and area that had a propensity to flood before the Dry Creek Dam...
Kenwood Merlot Jack London Vineyard 2005
The Jack London Ranch creates distinctive red wines that have a loyal following throughout the world. The red volcanic soil and pleasantly warm climate of this hillside vineyard combine to produce rich, full-bodied wines. Located on Sonoma Mountain with an eastern exposure, this vineyard gets early morning sun and breezes in...
If you like Merlot, you'll LOVE this one! As good as, if not better than Calistoga's past vintages. Blended with their Cabernet Sauvignon it has BIG, bold flavors of ripe currants, plum and black cherries coupled with hints of herbal and oak aromas. Shows complexity in it's deep, dark, ruby color....
The 2005 Merlot has a deep purple center that graduates to a garnet hue along the perimeter. Black fruit, black olives, dried herbs and cassis characterize the nose. In the mouth, the wine delivers bold flavors of spice, licorice, blackberry and dark plum, with soft tannins and a long, lingering finish....
Atalon Merlot Napa Valley 2002
Atalon’s 2002 Napa Merlot is deep purple in color with intense aromas and flavors of cherry, pomegranate, ripe plums and blackberry. Herbal notes such as fresh basil, dried lavender, olives and white pepper sit in the background adding depth and complexity. The tannins are firm yet smooth adding to a pleasant,...
An awesome Merlot, with a dark color layers of blackberry, currants with a lightly toast oak intensity. The flavors pick up momentum showing blackberry, cherry, sage and a hint of creamy mocha. There is an excellent balance, depth and range of flavors in the finish. Enjoy now through 2010.
Gary Farrell Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot 2001
This lush, broadly structured, palate-coating effort is generously endowed with lavish, layered black-cherry/blackberry fruit and classy oak and is further complexed by nuances of chocolate and pepper-spice. While it is hugely gratifying for its intensity, depth, richness and amazing length, the components remain balanced, and wonderfully integrated tannins bring a sense...
This wine begins with a dark red ruby color along with a big, sweet nose of dark fruits intermixed with espresso roast. True to the nose, this wine’s palate is further described by François as complex, layered and opulent..revealing gorgeously melted toffee notes that complement the rich bouquet of black fruits....
Luna Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot is the color of vibrant raspberries. The nose is filled with smoked, roasted walnuts and a touch of brambleberry. This is a big, muscular Merlot with an abundance of blackberry, Mission figs, and anise on the mid-palate. Seamless, elegant layers appear on the finish, with more...
Provenance Merlot Napa Valley 2005
Provenance's 2005 Napa Valley Merlot opens with aromas of dark cherry, pomegranate and blackberry intertwined with hints of chocolate cherry liqueur, mineral and cinnamon. The velvety flavors fan out across the palate with more red berry fruit, and then pick up nutmeg and malted chocolate notes on the lingering finish. Selecting...
Silverado Vineyards Merlot 2005
A wet beginning to the year and continued rainfall well into spring delayed bloom and fruit set. Cool weather throughout summer into September lead to concern about ripening the larger than normal crop. Fog lingered where warm weather would typically prevail to ripen grapes. Though later than normal, warm days arrived...
BR Cohn Merlot Sonoma Valley 2006
BR Cohn's 2006 Sonoma Valley Merlot is a blend of the finest Merlot vineyards of the Sonoma Valley. These grapes provide wonderful aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, bright cherry and a hint of anise and mocha. Aging is the best tight-grain French oak barrels adds complexity, toasty vanilla, and supple...
Cuvaison’s Napa Valley Carneros Merlot comes from their own estate in the southern part of Napa Valley. This cool climate vineyard allows us nearly perfect conditions year after year to produce world class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Controlling all farming aspects within their own vineyard gives Cuvaison...
Stags Leap Winery Merlot Stags Leap District 2006
Merlot vines grow exceptionally in the Bale Loams of Stags’ Leap: alluvial soils with volcanic ash minerality. Underneath the top layer exists a deeper layer of sandy loam laced with gravel and cobbles, allowing the kind of quick and thorough drainage that leaves the vines a little thirsty, concentrating their flavors....
Pine Ridge Merlot Crimson Creek 2005
With sweet scents of baked berries on the nose, the 2005 Crimson Creek Merlot exudes warm cherry and cranberry aromas, woven with vanilla, brown sugar, white pepper and a slight minty nuance. Sweet and full-bodied on the palate, the soft, fleshy fruit flavor comes to the forefront, delivering with it the...
Swanson Merlot Napa Valley 2005
Intense and concentrated with firm, vivid band of spice, currant, black cherry and wild berry, it holds a tight focus on the fruit and finishes with a crisp finish of acidity and tannins. Drink now through 2010. - Rated 90 Wine Spectator
Color: Rich, deep red and garnet.
Nose: Hints of violets compliment the deep fruit aromas of blueberries and blackberries. There is a nice smoky barrel character with notes of cream and baking spice.
Mouth: Smooth, rich, mouth filling Merlot that is well balanced across the whole palate. There are soft well...
Dark ruby in color, Frog's Leap 2006 Merlot radiates bright aromatics of ripe plum underscored by notes of cocoa. Mouth-filling flavors of cherry and currants are laced with hints of cigar box and dried herbs. Medium bodied and smooth in texture, the succulent fruit core is balanced by delicate acidity and...
Produced only in select years, the Winemaker's Handprint is what all Merlots strive to be. It has deep, dark color, and its full-blown cherry nose is surrounded by toasty French oak. On the palate you'll find sweet fruit of cherry and plum, with hints of leather, cola and vanilla. And the...
This Reserve Merlot enchants with aromas of dark chocolate, black raspberries and layers of toasty oak. Velvety tannins weave elegantly around creamy berry and cola flavors and are complemented by intriguing tobacco notes. This wine's ripe texture and firm structure can provide immediate enjoyment as well as reward with a few...
Kendall Jackson Merlot Highland Estate Taylor Peak 2004
Rich and round, with ripe plum, cooked cherries and chocolate flavors. Medium-bodied with a lingering finish.
Arrowood Merlot Sonoma County 2004
Arrowood is extremely excited about their 2004 Merlot. Richard feels it’s one of the finest he’s ever produced in his four decades of winemaking in Sonoma County. The nose is ripe and luscious with black cherries, plums and cassis. The palate is rich and velvety with great intensity and fine tannins....
Stags Leap Wine Cellars Merlot 2005
Aromas of blackberry, cassis, currant, and dark chocolate are enhanced by cinnamon, cardamom and clove spice nuances. Stags' Leap's signature brambly character is immediately recognizable in this elegant, rich wine. On the lush midpalate, black fruit flavors are highlighted by a bright, well-integrated acidity. The seamless, long, full-bodied finish suggests liquid...
Barnett Vineyards Merlot Spring Mountain 2003
The Spring Mountain District Merlot is a blend of Merlots from their Estate and from neighboring York Creek and Spring Mountain Vineyards. A majority of grapes for this wine come from young vines that are planted meter by meter and are head trained. This decreases the yield per vine and increases...
These prime Livermore Valley vineyards were selected for the Nth Degree program because of their consistent production of exceptional fruit. The selected blocks were farmed to the Nth Degree, using a method we refer to as, ultra farming”. The grapes were hand-harvested in the early morning into one ton bins, sorted,...
Deep ruby in color, the aromas of dried lavender, green olive and savory characters expose a hint of red fruit. Intense flavors of fresh red currants, black plum and cedar are supported by fine-grained tannins, suggesting this wine will age gracefully. The savory characters of this Merlot would complement beef tenderloin...
The wine's perfect marriage of ripe fruit and French oak barrels creates a bouquet of cherry and black berries with hints of cedar and spice. In the mouth this Merlot has a generous, soft, smooth texture that hugs your tongue and the flavors linger in your mouth for a long, long...
Darioush Merlot Signature 2006
Rocky, well-drained volcanic soil, a marine influence and the due east sun exposure describes the terroir of Darioush's unique Mt. Veeder estate. Vineyards planted on the steep hillside balance the ripeness and yield of one of the most vigorous of the Bordeaux varietals—providing the fruit and resulting wine, with great depth,...
Another perennial favorite, Wild Horse Merlot was popular before the Merlot craze even began. Paso Robles provides us with exceptional fruit that is typically more intense and structured than its cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a wine that provides rich ripe fruit flavors balanced by bright acidity. The soft, rich...
Sterling Vineyards Merlot Three Palms Vineyard 2004
Three Palms Vineyard lies one-half mile southeast of the winery, on the outwash of Selby Creek where it spills out of Dutch Henry Canyon and across the Silverado Trail. For millennia, when Selby Creek flooded, rocks and small boulders were carried on to the vineyard, creating an alluvial fan soil type....
The 2002 Twomey Merlot is an intense, concentrated wine that combines power and finesse in beautiful balance. It displays a very dark, ruby color and a complex nose of black cherry jam, roasting coffee, dark chocolate and cloves. It has a velvety, voluptuous mouth-feel with flavors of cherries covered in dark...
True to the Shafer style of Merlot, this is an accessible, immediately drinkable wine that emphasizes the aromatic, ripe fruit character of Merlot. Blended with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this wine gains additional complexity from its diverse vineyard sources. The 2005 Merlot, which has 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc in the blend, is a sensual, elegant style of wine. Soft, richly fruity, with notes of herb, mocha, coffee bean, and plenty of berry fruit, the wine has crisp acidity and a good finish. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. One of Napa’s most prominent and respected wineries, Shafer is a poster boy for remarkable and consistent quality across the board. All of this is the work of the brilliant father and son team of John and Doug Shafer as well as their long-term winemaker and vineyard manager, Elias Fernandez. With over 200-plus acres of estate holdings, and 55 surrounding their winery in Stags Leap, this is a winery that never seems to disappoint. - Rated 88, Robert Parker Good ruby-red. Spicy red fruits and cocoa powder on the nose. Supple and silky on the palate, with fresh, nicely delineated flavors of redcurrant, flowers, spices and tobacco. Very nicely balanced wine, finishing with rather suave tannins and some lingering oakiness. -...
The color of this Merlot is dense black cherry red. It has aromas of raspberry and black cherry, with a touch of vanilla, sweet tobacco and toasty oak. Rich flavors of bright blueberry and black cherry, are encompassed by a silky mouth-feel with hints of oak spice and a long finish....
In Estancia’s quest to make a great Merlot they selected to include fruit from two regions. They chose cool-climate Monterey grapes for the exceptional texture they provide and Paso Robles for the rich California red berry characters that fruit from that region imparts in the finished wine. By blending fruit from...
This Napa Valley Merlot displays rich, ripe raspberries, black cherries and blueberries with notes of cedar and dark chocolate. A backbone of moderate tannins provides the structure for this full-bodied wine, which features a lush, lingering finish. Enjoy this wine with roast beef, grilled chicken, baked ham, a classic cheeseburger or...
Simi Winery Merlot expresses the perfect combination of their vine-specific vineyard care and the meticulous attention paid to the details in the vineyard. The lavish attention each vine receives allows Simi's winemaking staff to practice winemaking with very minimal manipulation, resulting in wines that are true expressions of the diversity of...
Toasted Head Merlot displays fragrant plum, cherry, and blackberry fruit aromas, with complementary scents of fresh herbs, vanilla, coffee, and toasted oak adding complexity. Medium-bodied and firmly structured on the palate, its fine depth of fruit and supple tannins make it both delightful on its own and a delicious accompaniment to...
Paso Robles provides us with exceptional Merlot fruit that is typically more intense and structured than its cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon. Wild Horse Merlot is a wine that provides rich ripe fruit flavors balanced by bright acidity. The soft, rich tannins, acidity and long finish make this wine an ageworthy contender.
Beringer Merlot Howell Mountain 2001
Harmonious and complex, with ripe plum, cherry and currant flavors accented by smoky, mocha-scented oak, striking a fine balance. Shows ripe, integrated, firm tannins on the finish, where the flavors fold together nicely. Drink now through 2009. 3,200 cases made. –JL -Rated 90, Wine Spectator The biggest, most backward effort among the Merlot-based cuvees is the impressively endowed 2001 Merlot Bancroft Ranch. It boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a fragrant bouquet of earth, chocolate, black cherries, blackberries, and coffee. Give it another 1-3 years of bottle age and consume it over the following 10-15 years. - Rated 90, Robert Parker
Very ripe, blackberry and currant aromas with a trace of vanilla. Broad, expansive and even across the mid-palate, with a candy-like middle and chewy tannins. Soft edges and tremendous length. Merlot for Cab people! Rich and concentrated, with bold aromas of plum, currant and mocha leading to complex, layered blackberry, licorice and spice flavors that finish with a flourish of ripe, minerally tannins. Drink now through 2012. 4,913 cases made. –JL - Rated 93, Wine Spectator The superb 2005 Merlot, a blend of fruit from Napa (70%) and Sonoma (30%), exhibits sweet plum and black currant fruit intermixed with mocha, coffee, and earth notes. This medium to full-bodied, elegant, lush, heady wine begs for consumption over the next 7-8 years. - Rated 91, Robert Parker
Sterling Vineyards Merlot 2000 3L Etched Bottle
The vintage season of 2000 started out on a very good note. Adequate rainfall followed by warm spring weather had the vines off to a good healthy start. Budbreak and bloom occurred at a more usual time than the two previous late years. Full bloom was from the third week of...
Firestone Merlot Vineyard Select
Firestone's Vineyard Select Merlot offers a complex bouquet of black fruits, cola and cedar. A rich, smooth texture brings deep flavors of black cherry, plum and mocha. Accents of spice accompany supple tannins on a full, lingering finish.
Firm in structure, with tight, cedary currant, earth and cherry notes, turning dry. A style that will appeal to left-bank Bordeaux lovers. -Rated 87, Wine Spectator
Meeker Handprint Merlot 2004 3L
Produced only in select years, the Winemaker's Handprint is what all Merlots strive to be. It has deep, dark color, and its full-blown cherry nose is surrounded by toasty French oak. On the palate you'll find sweet fruit of cherry and plum, with hints of leather, cola and vanilla. And the...
