Merlot

Merlot is a red wine grape that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. Merlot-based wines usually have medium body with hints of berry, plum, and currant. Its softness and fleshiness, combined with its earlier ripening, makes Merlot an ideal grape to blend with the sterner, later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. This flexibility has helped to make it one of the most popular red wine varietals in the United States and Chile.
More information on Merlot
Food Pairing: Pairs well with Mexican foods and Indian coconut curries, as well as duck, rabbit and seafood. Try served with a barbecue picnic of hot dogs or hamburgers. Also great with Spaghetti Bolognese.
231 California Merlot
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Donati Family Vineyard Rate this wine
2005 Merlot

Finding an ideally suited microclimate for growing Merlot is a significant challenge, for often, this varietal falls short of its expectations. In the Paicines hills above Hollister, along the San Andreas faultline, the Donati Family has truly found a perfect home for this grape.

This wine was barreled immediately after pressing and underwent malolactic fermentation in new French Oak, a technique that facilitates integration of oak flavor components into the wine, mellowing both the raw flavors of young wine and fresh wood.



After this stage, the wine was transferred into one and two year old French oak barrels as well as a small amount of Appalachian Oak to create a backdrop of subtle smoke and vanilla. The wine spent 22 months on oak.		$25.00

Guglielmo Winery Rate this wine
2005 Private Reserve Merlot
Santa Clara Valley

Our 2005 Private Reserve Merlot is aimed toward the stylistic goal of producing a big, mouth-filling Merlot that finishes with a velvety softness. The 2005 vintage packs a nose-pleasing punch of vanilla, cola, and dark fruit aromas with a hint of nutmeg and pepper. On the palate a bright burst of dried cherry flavors and chewy tannins combine and develop - inviting the next sip. Produced in a very bold style, this expressive wine will stand up to extremely rich foods and sauces.

WINEMAKERS NOTES:
The 2005 vintage was produced from fruit grown in San Ysidro Vineyards in Southern Santa Clara County. This is our fourth Private Reserve Merlot release from this vineyard, and we continue to be pleased with the quality of fruit grown here. After fermentation, the wine was allowed to age for approximately nineteen months in a combination of French & American 60- gallon oak barrels. The 2005 Santa Clara Valley Merlot should continue to gain additional complexities in the bottle for at least another 3 - 4 years. This 2005 bottling yielded approximately 600 cases.

Alcohol: 14.7%		$18.00

600 cases produced
Lucchesi Vineyards and Winery Rate this wine
2005 Estate Merlot
Sierra Foothills

Dense, youthful garnet in color, aromas of black cherries, plum, and cocoa. Soft and fruit forward palate; supple tannins. Pairs with pasta with hearty sauces, grilled meats, and strong flavored cheeses.		$26.00

145 cases produced
Lucchesi Vineyards and Winery Rate this wine
2005 Merlot
Sierra Foothills.

Aromas of ripe cherries, cinnamon spice, hint of earthiness. Soft, lush palate; ripe fruit flavors; smooth tannins; persistent finish. Perfect match with barbecues, well-suited with grilled meats and mushrooms.		$18.00

224 cases produced
Tesoro Winery Rate this wine
2005 Merlot
Temecula Valley

Full bodied wine has dense ruby color and is youthful and fleshy with the flavors of ripe black plums. In the nose, it is floral with some raspberry, vanilla and a touch of mint. Its rich tannic structure should help it age well.		$26.00

Gargiulo Vineyards Rate this wine
Aprile Super Oakville Blend
Oakville appellation

Single estate vineyard; Money Road Ranch
97% Sangiovese, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Produced from single block planted to 3309 rootstock grafted to Rodeno clone
Yield: 6 tons/ acre
14 months in French barriques; 30% new (Saury, Gamba and Chaulfour barrels)
Inaugural vintage 2000, approximately 1200 cases annually		1200 cases produced
Gargiulo Vineyards Rate this wine
Money Road Ranch Merlot
Oakville appellation

Single estate vineyard; Money Road Ranch
95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Produced from single vineyard block planted to Three Palms clone on 420A rootstock.
18 months in French oak, 52% new (Demptos and Rousseau barrels)
5 tons/acre for 1346 cases
Inaugural vintage 2000, approximately 1000 cases annually		1000 cases produced
Schweiger Vineyards Rate this wine
2004 Merlot
Spring Mountain District

The 2004 came on fast and hot but at an even enough pace that we were able to bring in the fruit at just the right moment, resulting in a full complex Merlot. With the 2004 vintage, we continue our unique tradition of crafting 100% Merlot. The aroma is full of mixed berries and black cherry, with hints of cocoa, cedar, and hazelnut. On the mouth, vibrant fruit shows off a richly layered mid-palate and lingering black fruit finish.		$38.00

385 cases produced
Naumann Vineyards Rate this wine
2004 Estate Merlot
Santa Cruz Mountains

This wine starts with a burst of cherry flavors enhanced with a little black pepper and ends with a smooth, oaky finish. It is a great wine that drinks well now but will last for years in the cellar.		$26.00

Naumann Vineyards Rate this wine
2002 Estate Merlot
Santa Cruz Mountains

An intense wine, dark in color with rich concentrated flavors of dark cherry and mocha chocolate, it is complemented with silky tannins. It is wonderful now, but will cellar well for years to come.		$26.00

Stonehedge Winery Rate this wine
2006 California Merlot
California

The 2006 Stonehedge California Merlot delivers its Rhone tradition with an Italian twist. Tasty cherry berry flavors resonate with plum-rasberry and spice nuances. This flavor profile is created with help from Rhone (Syrah) and Italy (Sangiovese). This wine was aged for a short period in barrels for creating soft tannins without overwhelming it with an oaky tast. It is a versatile wine for a variety of foods from cheese, grilled meats, to fish and barbeques. It can also be served lightly chilled for those hot summery days. Enjoy!		$12.00

Milat Vineyards Rate this wine
2006 Merlot
St. Helena

Deep aromas of herbal mint and sage along with ripe fruit flavors of cherry and plum make this an incredible wine. The smooth finish is round and soft on the palate. Mellow with low tannins. Pairs well with lamb or grilled vegetables.		$21.00

296 cases produced
Regusci Winery Rate this wine
2005 Merlot
Stags Leap District

Rich, concentrated aromas of deep black plum and gingerbread, with a hint of black licorice and cinnamon. Vibrant cherry flavors on a full tilt youthful tannic structure…This merlot is packed with flavor and texture that has the durability of long term ageing.
~Winemaker, Charles Hendricks		$40.00

1100 cases produced
Yoakim Bridge Winery Rate this wine
2005 Gallaway Vineyard Merlot
Dry Creek Valley

Sourced from Brian Gallaways' West Dry Creek vineyard, the same as our renowned Merlot from 1999. This cherry scented fruit is more tropical and less herbal, or Cabernet like, than the 1999, probably because at David's suggestion Brian removed some of the surrounding forest to increase the amount of total sunlight. It is unlike any Merlot that we have ever tasted and is more reminiscent of a fine Pinot Noir. It should age extremely well, but is delicious today with salmon, sea bass, shellfish, and roast duck. We dare the character Miles from the movie Sideways to try this wine!!		$36.00

Mutt Lynch Winery Rate this wine
2005 Merlot Over and Play Dead
Sonoma County

A GOLD MEDAL winner at both the Los Angeles and San Francisco Internationl Wine Competitions. Better yet... a Merlot Brenda likes to drink. In other words, this is not a wimpy Merlot. Full, rich, ripe fruit with a hint of chocolate – Brenda always opens a bottle when barbequing her butter flied leg of lamb.		$20.00

Mount Palomar Winery Rate this wine
2005 Merlot

Aromas of black cherried, vanilla, plums and spice. Fuller bodied than most Merlots, but with a long, smooth finish.		$22.00

Amphora Wines Rate this wine
2005 Merlot
Dry Creek Valley, Polesky Vineyard

The Polesky Vineyard sits near the peak of Bradford Mountain, which lies on the western edge of Dry Creek Valley. Predominantly red volcanic soil called "Boomer Soil", the Polesky site is ideal for growing intense fruit-driven Merlot. With initial emphasis on black cherry, currant and plum, the nose unfolds with hints of soy, pencil shavings, and sweet herbs. The palate is rich and full-bodied with enough tannin to warrant a few years aging. Best to pair this lovely wine with an aged ribeye grilled just right.		$28.00

Grove Street Winery Rate this wine
2005 Merlot
Mendocino County

A round, plummy taste framed by ultra-soft tannins. This delicious, easy-to-love wine is priced right for daily drinking and will pair well with all your favorite red-friendly foods.		$12.00

Grove Street Winery Rate this wine
2005 Merlot
Sonoma County

Bright and beautiful. Spicy black fruit and cherry cola aromas, lifted by a hint of violets. The earthy blackberry, red cherry and vanilla fruitiness nearly leaps out of the glass.		$25.00

Lago Di Merlo Vineyards & Winery Rate this wine
2001 Lago di Merlo Merlot
Dry Creek Valley

Lager tannin profile wine with deep color and layers of flavor leaves a dusty mouth feel giving this Merlot panache.		$23.00

Selby Winery Rate this wine
2005 Selby Merlot
Sonoma County

Selby Merlot is a delicious blend of dark cherry flavors, with intense nutmeg and clove aromatics. The classic Selby style is an opulent, yet elegant, Merlot with concentrated fruit on the front palate, a rich, velvety mouthfeel and a lingering chocolate finish.		$24.00

ForestVille Vineyard 2 reviews
Merlot
California

Harvest occurs in early September, with grapes destalked and crushed. The juice ferments under controlled temperatures to bring out the varietal characteristics.		$10.25

Aquinas Rate this wine
2005 Napa Valley Merlot
Napa Valley

This dark garnet colored Merlot opens with aromas of red raspberries, summer sweet blackberries, and cedar oak with hints of sage. The wine exhibits flavors of strawberries, currants, dark chocolate, Kona coffee, and savory herbs with notes of deeply toasted French oak.

A full-bodied Merlot, this wine would be excellent for grilled spicy lamb sirloin alongside sweet potatoes wedges, fried sage and sautéed swiss chard, pesto pizza piled with aged Romano cheese, smoked chicken, and red onions, or a flatiron steak with cheesy Gouda - Yukon Gold mashers and balsamic glazed green beans.
Clos La Chance Wines Rate this wine
2004 Violet-Crowned Merlot
Central Coast

The color of this wine is intense—deep ruby purple. Aromas of ripe plums, smoky berry fruits and spice. Juicy red currant flavors on the entry, followed with rich, red cherry, black cherry and blackberry flavors extending to the mid-palate. A long finish with spicy oak and velvety fruit. Soft, lush and colorful!		$18.00

Sort This Out Cellars Rate this wine
2005 Money Plays Merlot rollers reserve
Napa Valley

$42.00

Cinnabar Winery Rate this wine
2006 Merlot
Paso Robles

Aromas of dark fruit, toasted oak, crème de cassis; flavors of cherry, blackberry, cocoa and vanilla. Soft texture, fine tannins and a long fruity finish. Serve with wild mushroom crepes or herb-crusted, pan-seared swordfish. — Winemaker George Troquato		$20.00

Chappellet Vineyards Rate this wine
2005 Napa Valley Merlot
Napa Valley

The rich, weighty Merlot of our Pritchard Hill vineyards has become an outstanding representation of the varietal. Year after year, intensely flavored berries from the hillside vines evolve into a robust wine that has been acclaimed as "best of the vintage".



Deep in color and concentrated in aromas, this wine is highlighted by ripe cherry and plum. Rich notes of dark chocolate, spicy oak and subtle dried herbs round out the opening bouquet. A sweet impression of ripe fruit and spicy oak fills the palate, framed by a firm, balanced structure and a multi-dimensional finish.		$32.00

Chameleon Cellars Rate this wine
2005 Chameleon Merlot Napa Valley
Napa Valley

Intensely-flavored wine of great depth, color. Aged 16 months in French Oak. Match it with prime rib or a juicy Porterhouse steak. Also delicious with ripe blue cheese or your favorite aged cheddar.
Chalk Hill Estate Winery 1 reviews
1999 Adele’s Vineyard Merlot
Chalk Hill

The 1999 Adele’s Vineyard Merlot harmonized in barrel for twenty months; aging occurred in French oak (85% new) from the very best coopers. Bottling happened without fining or filtration, a practice consistent with Chalk Hill Estate’s winemaking philosophies. The 1999 Adele’s Vineyard Merlot exhibits an opaque purple color along with pure, intense aromas of black currant, mocha, and spice, with hints of lavender. The opulent, full-bodied texture is layered with rich flavors of blackberries, cassis and earth. 479 cases produced.		$100.00

479 cases produced
Chalk Hill Estate Winery Rate this wine
2005 Merlot
Sonoma County

At Chalk Hill, we take the growing and production of our Merlot seriously. We respect Merlot’s vigorous tendencies in the vineyard and create an atmosphere in which the variety will yield optimum ripeness and richness.The 2005 Chalk Hill Merlot contains 21% Malbec, which contributes blue fruit and flesh to the wine’s suppleness and structure. The intense purple wine lends aromas of bramble, berries, exotic spices, tobacco, molasses, and floral notes of violets and lavender. Ripe tannins encase mouth-filling, round flavors of anise, plum, blackberry and brown spice.		$45.00

Chateau Julien Wine Estate Rate this wine
2003 Estate Vineyard Merlot

A subtle presence of oak highlights this wine's varietal character and complexity. Moderate tannins and depth through a full-bodied finish of intense, bright fruit. Our flagship varietal.
Wild Horse Winery 1 reviews
2005 Merlot
Paso Robles

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 tannins, acidity and long finish make this wine an ageworthy contender.
Ceja Vineyards Rate this wine
2005 Merlot
Carneros

Aromas of cranberries, raspberries and black fruit with nuances of bright cherry notes. The palate showcases savory tannins and lush textures that compliment the long extended flavors. This wine is fruit-driven with mineral and earthy undertones.		$34.00

Wellington Vineyards Rate this wine
2003 Estate Bottled Merlot
Sonoma Valley

The nose is dominated by cherry and plum aromas, with notes of sandalwood, cinnamon, chocolate, tea and black pepper. The wine is very full bodied and supple, but with enough tannic structure to keep it focused. The finish is long and sweet.		$18.00

Pinder Winery Rate this wine
2003 Merlot
Lodi

Mad for Merlot! Our 100% Merlot is aged in American oak and then blended to produce a wine that is soft with a berry jam nose and lightly flavored with herb and cherry.		$15.00

Coturri Winery Rate this wine
2005 Merlot
Maclise Vineyards

2005 was a great vintage, slightly cooler than 2004. The Maclise Merlot from this vintage is very deeply colored, silky, streamlined and focused. A ripe dry cherry nose, finely textured mid palate and smooth acid finish characterize this wine.

This wine will match well with grilled foods, marinated and grilled lamb, smoked eggplant or simply enjoyed with a nice triple cream brie and crusty sourdough bread.		$27.00

Coturri Winery Rate this wine
2003 Merlot
Feingold Vineyards

This is not a subdued wine. It has the classic earmarkings of its French counterpart. Full in structure from start to finish with a dark cherry nose, slight hints of cedar and balanced tannins.

This is a classic representation of what merlot is should be. If Miles had tasted this merlot, he would have changed his statement in the movie "Sideways" to reflect the great character of this Bordeaux varietal.		$38.00

Bogle Vineyards Rate this wine
2006 Merlot
Clarksburg & Central Coast

Bogle’s 2006 Merlot is another great example of the soft and silky wine that this varietal can be. Concentrated aromas of earthy spice and summer cherries surround the senses, while the first pleasant sip is a delightful wave of fresh red fruit and soft garden herbs. Mere hints of pipe tobacco and spicy oak lend depth to the finish, reinforced by firm, assertive tannins.
Nichols Winery & Cellars Rate this wine
1999 Merlot Vinas del Sol
San Miguel

This Merlot layered with bright ripe fruit. Unveiled are rich berry fruit, plum and black cherries. It is integrated with flavors of caramel, smoke, and toast. It is very complex, rich, and has extremely well balanced fruit. Tannins are laid back but provide the right backdrop for the fruit to come forward and please the palate.		$26.00

Consentino Winery Rate this wine
2002 Estate Merlot
Oakville, Napa Valley

Gold Medal - 2005 LA County Fair Wines of the World Competition

From our estate vineyard at the winery, we 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.
Pretty-Smith Winery Rate this wine
2000 Merlot

*vintage closeout!*

This medium-bodied Merlot has black cherry & sage aromas, with an elegant fishish that offers moderate tannins and tart acidity.		$15.00

Pretty-Smith Winery Rate this wine
2001 Merlot

Estate grown Merlot with deep color and a very french style. Higher in acidity than other vintages offered, this one is great with many foods.		$24.00

Pretty-Smith Winery Rate this wine
2002 Merlot

Estate grown Merlot with medium body and lots of fruit! Unfined and unfiltered, this wine delivers pure estate grown fruit with soft flavors and a long finish.		$24.00

Ballentine Vineyards Rate this wine
2004 Merlot
Napa Valley Pocai Vineyard

Black cherry and blueberry dominate the aromas of this fruit-forward style Merlot. There are nice layers of rose petal, red apple, vanilla and licorice. The palate reflects the flavors with its fruit-forward style nuanced by a complex spice. The wine is very full on the palate with nice balanced tannins and good body. There is a well balanced acidity that lets the fruit character linger on the palate for quite some time.		$24.00

Mariposa Wine Company Rate this wine
2005 Yosemite View Merlot
Sierra Foothills

When bottled, our Merlot was awkward and tough, with somewhat hard tannins. It has since lost that rustic character and is now full-flavored with intriguing high-tone berry and cedar aromas. On the palate it shows classic earthy tones, with a touch of mint and herb. Still, the wine is not for the faint-of-heart, and is best enjoyed with a meal of hearty foods.		$14.99

Colibri Ridge Winery & Vineyard Rate this wine
2004 Merlot
Fair Play

This mountain grown Fair Play Merlot is deep in color with delicate fruit flavors reminiscent of black cherries, currants. and blackberries. On the palate it is rich and opulent, bursting with flavors of black fruits backed by toasty vanillin oak notes and round, chewy tannins. Savor the lingering, velvet finish. Good mid weight red, to partner with any red meat, fowl, or pasta dish.		$17.00

La Honda Winery Rate this wine
2005 Merlot
Chevalier Winery Rate this wine
2005 Estate Merlot
El Dorado

$15.00

Winery By The Creek Rate this wine
2005 Merlot
El Dorado County

This lovely soft merlot is produced from 100% El Dorado fruit. Aging 14 months in French and American oak barrels results in and elegant, deep flavored wine that pours well by it self or pairs with many red meats or even a barbecue.		$15.00

Ursa Vineyards Rate this wine
2004 Merlot
El Dorado

$16.00

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