D.H. Lescombes is a phenomenal New Mexico winemaker! This Merlot offers a bouquet of blackberry and licorice. Dry, fruit forward, flavors of cassis, plum and umami are prominent. The palate of this particular red is still young and offers moderate tannins and a slightly higher alcohol level. Expect a long finish. Drink now or hold for more bottle aging.

DiNardo’s continued search for terrific budget wines proves that bargains sourced out of Napa can be found even in today’s economy. This redolent merlot furnishes attractive fragrances of cedar, cassis and cherry on the nose. The palate is dry, moderately tannic, leaning towards the slightly acidic, and reminiscent of Italian wines. Flavors of tart cherry, black pepper and herb prevail. A long finish is guaranteed. At this price, this merlot can be paired with pizza to prime rib. 

What a great bargain Napa merlot! The nose features aromas of cherries, oak and leather. This merlot is dry with soft tannins, great body and terrific viscosity. Flavors of black cherry, berries, cigar box and mineral prevail. A wonderful finish will come as no surprise. This red is mature and ready to drink now.

Aromas of cherry, berry and smoke are dominant in the nose of this wine. Fruit forward, yet dry, featuring medium acidity and higher alcohol, this delicate balance and overall structure contributes significantly to the palette of this wine. Chewy, jammy flavors of cherry, berries, and mineral are featured. A moderate finish is experienced. This wine is fine for drinking now, but expect a bit of heat from the alcohol. Like a great woman, this wine will be a real darling in a few years when she reaches her maturity.

Andrew Will created this wonderful Merlot with grapes sourced from the legendary Klipsun Vineyard in the Red Mountain appellation of Washington. The grapes are gently delivered to their cellar facilities on Vashon Island where they are crushed, and the resulting wine is fermented, aged, and bottled. This Merlot delivers a wonderful bouquet of aromatics consisting of berry, persimmon, and subtle smoke. Faint tannins with a fruit forward yet dry delivery of berry, cassis, and currant upon the palette produce a delightful and enduring finish.

This wine was made famous in the movie “Disclosure” with Demi Moore. Aromas of berries and tobacco welcome the forthcoming sensual experience. This structured merlot offers great balance between the wines acids and alcohol and is perfect for lengthy cellaring. The palette features mild tannins, and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco and smoke and moderately long finish. Pahlmeyer is one of my favorite merlots. Drink now or hold.  

Leonetti Cellars is one of Washington's most sought after cult wine producers. This merlot wine is well worth the quest. The aromas of floral and berry notes are truly impressive. After experiencing these unique aromas, I was completely surprised by the palette. Moderate tannins complement the deep flavors of dark cherry, berry, herbs and toasted oak. A pleasantly long finish is to be expected and cherished. I believe that Pahlmeyer merlot has met its match. Leonetti merlot is now one of my prized favorites.

A truly delicious Merlot! The nose delivers berry, plum, subtle vanilla and toasted oak notes. The wine offers structured tannins, which dissipate with appropriate decanting. Still youthful, this merlot offers flavors of cherry, plum, pepper and leather. You will surely enjoy the long finish. This merlot makes a perfect pair with Italian food. Enjoy.

Apex, Merlot, 2006 (Sunnyside, WA.) $35 Blend: 76% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot; Style: dry red; dark red color; aromas: hints of warm vanilla and dark chocolate; palate/flavors: cherry with hints of earthy and mineral notes; medium body; balanced finish. (Alc. by Volume: 14.3%)

Blend: 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec; Style: dry red; ruby red hue with deep inky black undertones; aromas: black cherry, cassis and chocolate, with subtle dried floral elements; palate: broad and supple with silky smooth richness and well integrated tannins; medium-full body not found in most Merlots, a sign of long life; depth and concentration on the finish. Food match: spaghetti in a tomato sauce with sautéed Italian sausage. (Alc. by Volume: 13.5%)