Merlot is one of the most important grapes in the world. It’s used in some of the most famous wines of Bordeaux, continuously leaned on by winemakers to blend in to create lush, beautiful wines and is the second most planted varietal globally. Merlot is pretty dang important! However, due to past stigmas and always being over shined by it’s friend Cabernet, Merlot often doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
Well, now there’s a whole month centered around celebrating this amazing grape! I’ve spent most of October, Merlot Month, tasting through different Merlots and am here to provide a recap of some of my favs. I originally wanted to include Merlots from all over the world, but wow, I think I need a bit more tasting time for that, so this will solely be a domestic roundup. Did you know Merlot is grown and produced in almost every single wine growing region across the world? There’s a total of 657,300k acres globally! Some of the most famous Merlot growing regions include California, Washington, Bordeaux, Chile, Australia, Tuscany and more.
The October Merlot Month Contenders Are…
(In order of price!)
2017 Seven Hills Merlot
I’m going to declare this Merlot as the best Merlot for the price. Coming in at only $25 for the bottle, this Merlot is juicy, fruity with notes of dust and earth. It’s well integrated and tastes much more expensive than it’s shelf price. It’s widely available, so if you’re looking for a Merlot at the grocery store, grab this guy! Fun Fact, Seven Hills was one of the founding estates of Walla Walla Valley! Price: $25
2017 Le’Cole No. 41 Merlot
This Walla Walla Valley Merlot is beautifully aromatic and has delicate features. It’s very floral (lots of violet!), black cherry, subtle oak and a little vegetal, herbal type vibe on the end. It’s dry, medium bodied and has a nice acidity – a Merlot I think you could pair with almost any type of meal. Reminds me of a Bordeaux style Merlot. Le’Cole is a third generation family owned winery, and was the third winery established in Walla Walla Valley. This bottle is a steal! Price: $25
2017 DeLille Cellars D2
This Columbia Valley Merlot dominant blend (66% Merlot, 29% Cabernet, 3% Cab Franc, 2% Perit Verdot) reminds me of a wine from Bordeaux. Upon dipping your nose in the glass you’re greeted with bright raspberry, cranberry, cherry and a slight dustiness. The palate delivers dark blackberry, chocolate, tobacco and grippy tannins. I think this bottle could certainly age well! Price: $37
2017 Frog’s Leap Merlot
Frog’s Leap is a classic – tried and true Napa Valley Merlot. Can never go wrong! Their Merlot is one of my favorite offerings in their portfolio. It’s exploding with red currant, plum and goji berry, followed by cedar, licorice and dust. It’s bright, mouth watering and showcasing a nice acidity – would be wonderful with a meal! Oh! And they farm everything organically! Price: $40
2014 Materra Cunnat Reserve Merlot
This is a predominately Merlot based blend coming out of the Oakville AVA of Napa. I’ve visited Materra and think it’s such a hidden gem. The wines are fantastic. This Merlot is sweet on the nose and shows notes of rhubarb pie, prune, blackberry and cinnamon followed by black cherry vanilla, oak and cocoa on the palate. It’s big, rich, and decadent. By the way, I just drank their 2010 Merlot and WOW. Incredible. Merlot can age, people! Price: $55
2017 Shafer TD-9
While this isn’t 100% Merlot (it’s 56% Merlot, 23% Cabernet and 21% Malbec), it’s scored a place on my list. No surprise as all Shafer wines are amazing! It’s big, deep, decadent, and wraps you up in a long hug. If I had a fireplace, this would be the wine I’d snuggle up in front of it with. It engulfs you in layers of dark blackberry, pepper, herbs and graphite. By the way, TD-9 is the name of the tractor that John Shafer taught himself to drive when he first became a winegrower. Price: $65
2017 Barnett Vineyards Merlot
If you’re looking for a Merlot to lay down and age, this is it! Barnett is a small winery located up in the Spring Mountain District in Napa Valley. This Merlot is full of blackberry cobbler, clove, earth, toast and graphite. It’s grippy and has surprisingly big tannins. I’m looking forward to tasting this in five years. Price: $70
2016 Seavey Merlot
Seavey is an incredible Merlot producer – they actually specialize in Merlot! Seavey is another great option for those of you looking to lay down some wine. Their Merlots are so dang expressive. You’re immediately enveloped by the black currant, leather and tobacco notes on the nose – you won’t want to take your nose out of the glass! But just wait, it gets even better. On the palate, you’ll find lots of dried fig, prune, violet, plum and earth. Truly a gorgeous wine that will make you savor every single sip. Price: $70
2017 Hunter Glenn Merlot
This is a very small, family-run, wine brand that I am so excited to highlight. I tasted here years ago when the second generation was starting to take over and make their own labels. I have to say, their Merlot is singing! Such a beautiful wine, made with so much love and passion. The nose highlights bright violet and is very perfumed. Upon first sip you find loads of blueberry, blackberry, plum and vanilla. It’s soft and slides down like velvet. Only 52 cases of this gorgeous wine were made! Price: $70
Well, there’s my favorite Merlots I tasted this month! The next time you’re looking for a Merlot, I hope you’ll keep this list in mind. If you have a favorite Merlot you didn’t see on my list, drop it below in the comments. I’d love to hear!
