Former second fiddle to cabernet in Bordeaux blends has emerged as a major variety on its own. Though similar to cabernet in some ways, merlot is kinder and gentler than cabernet, with more cherry, plum and red fruit, and less herbal and severe. The structure is plump and lush; tannins are abundant, yet round. Many have the stuffing to age. Found in many "Right Bank" Bordeaux...Pomerol, St. Emilion, Fronsac; labeled merlot in California, Australia and elsewhere; blended with cabernet in Meritage wines.
Narrowing Criteria: Merlot (expand); United States (expand)
Varietal: Merlot | Location: United States - California - Central Coast
Very distinctive strawberry jam and berry aromas framed by notes of French oak. The bright fruit flavors carry into the mouth, balanced by a medium body and soft tannins.
Varietal: Merlot | Location: United States - California
Our Merlot is our signature “Blackstone Style” with rich fruit aromas, supple oak characteristics and soft tannins. You’ll discover dark cherry and berry aromas with a touch of clove to please the palate. The texture is ripe and soft in the mouth, with a smooth, lingering finish. Blackstone Merlot is the perfect companion to a seasoned rack of lamb, grilled burgers, and tomato-based pasta dishes. Bring it to a neighbor’s BBQ or your own backyard table.
Varietal: Merlot | Location: United States - California - Napa
WE 91
A lovely Merlot, this is pure, vibrant and elegant. It has classic cherry, red-currant and cedar flavors, and while there's a sweetness at the core, the finish is thoroughly dry. Wonderful to drink now with steak or lamb.
Varietal: Merlot | Location: United States - California - Napa
Our Napa Valley Merlot has always been a favorite among seekers of soft, supple red wines ready to drink from the get go. To celebrate the “born ready” exuberance of our Merlot, we’ve bottled it with a Stelvin closure. The 2008 vintage shows full fruit characteristics of strawberry and cherry, with a hint of raspberry and spice. Rather than make you sweat for it, we’re going to make you twist for it!
Varietal: Merlot | Location: United States - California
WA 89
The 2008 Grand Reserve Merlot (98% Merlot and the rest other Bordeaux varietals) offers notes of graphite, charcoal, plum sauce, black cherries, mocha and toast. This dense, structured, medium to full-bodied Merlot is approachable now, but is capable of lasting 7-8 years.
Kendall-Jackson enjoys a well-deserved reputation for over-delivering quality vis a vis price for its wines.
Tel. (800) 769-3649; www.kj.comThe 2008 Grand Reserve Merlot (98% Merlot and the rest other Bordeaux varietals) offers notes of graphite, charcoal, plum sauce, black cherries, mocha and toast. This dense, structured, medium to full-bodied Merlot is approachable now, but is capable of lasting 7-8 years.
Kendall-Jackson enjoys a well-deserved reputation for over-delivering quality vis a vis price for its wines. -- Robert Parker
Varietal: Merlot | Location: United States - California
Intricate layers of black cherry, plum, currant, and wild berry mingle with a hint of spice. The soft, delicate tannins of this Bordeaux varietal carry these aromas and flavors to a long lingering finish.
Varietal: Merlot | Location: United States - California - Napa
WS 91
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.