Merlot Wine between $10 and $25

We tried this with our friends at Nathaniel Johnston a few years ago and fell in love with it! This 2010 has very complex, black-fruit flavors, especially given its modest price and appellation. It has excellent balance, with fine tannins and a hint of roasted coffee in the long finish.
-- CW Wine Staff (April 2011)

Light and silky, with pretty boysenberry and spice flavors that linger on the finish. Drink now. 65,000 cases made.

This 100% Merlot is made from grapes that are hand-harvested from the estate’s best vineyards in the hills around Orvieto, in Umbria. Grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats, and then aged in Nevers oak barrels for an additional seven months. To preserve the full character of the Umbrian terroir, the wine is bottled without filtration or excessive manipulation. Deep ruby in color, with a refined aroma of wild herbs, blackberry, and light vanilla, this fresh, medium-bodied wine pairs especially well with traditional Italian dishes, such as pasta with meat sauce, braised beef or pork, and spicy Italian sausage. -- Ben Giliberti

Sleek and well-focused, with appealing aromas of red currant and toasty tomato leaf that lead to rich flavors of plum, mocha and cedar. Tannins firm up the finish. Drink now through 2017.

Pretty dry and tannic, but redeemed by good, ripe blackberry, black cherry and smoky cedar flavors. Shows some real flair and richness. Drink now.