Category: Merlot

Chateau Fontbernard Merlot 2010

95
Chateau Fontbernard
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Saint-Emilion
Retail Price: $18.99

Tasting Notes: A truly classic Right Bank Rouge, 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvuignon. Soft, bright aromas and flavors of cherry, red currant and plum meld with hints of spice, sweet tobacco and finish with supple tannins. There are some lovely earth/mineral notes surrounding the whole that define the appellation. The 2010 is very approachable now, but will cellar nicely for three-to-five years.
Chateau Fontbernard Merlot 2010

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Franciscan Reserve Merlot 2013

95
Franciscan
Fanciful Name: Reserve
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $45

Tasting Notes: Nearly all Merlot, with a small amount of Syrah, and a hint of Cabernet. Quite deep in color, with lots of black cherry, some dried fruit and a nice splash of vanilla. The palate has plenty of weight, with the cherry shining through, accented by some vanilla and chocolate notes. A very long finish.
Franciscan Reserve Merlot 2013

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Chateau Barrail Chevrol Merlot 2014

95
Chateau Barrail Chevrol
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Fronsac
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: A classic example of the appellation. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Hints of blackberry, cherry and spice lead to a lengthy finish with firm tannins and rich earthy notes. Nice now, it will develop for five years or more. Also, it’s a great value!
Chateau Barrail Chevrol Merlot 2014

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Miner Stagecoach Vineyard Merlot 2013

95
Miner Stagecoach Vineyard
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $40

Tasting Notes: Dark ruby in the glass, the nose is dominated by powerful dark fruit, and some vanilla. The palate follows along the same line, with good weight and length. Truly lovely.
Miner Stagecoach Vineyard Merlot 2013

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The Weekender Experience Merlot 2009

95
The Weekender Experience
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2009
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $45

Tasting Notes: A venture of Donny Sebastian and the Lamonica Family, who own prime vineyards just outside of the Stag’s Leap AVA. They produce five stunning wines, displaying gorgeous varietal characteristics along with subtle terroir hints. The Merlot is beautiful and elegant with a lush floral bouquet that leads to flavors of blueberry, black currant and a slight toasty nuance. The velvety texture finishes with supple tannins that balance the whole. Even die-hard Cabernet Sauvignon aficionados will love this Merlot!
The Weekender Experience Merlot 2009

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Nearco Col D’Orcia Merlot 2012

96
Nearco
Fanciful Name: Col D'Orcia
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Sant' Antimo
Retail Price: $42

Tasting Notes: A lovely example of Tuscan winemaking, outside of the Sangiovese box. Half Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and a touch of Petit Verdot. Youthful ruby color in the glass, with aromas and flavors of red fruit, and hints of vanilla and spice. A long and elegant finish.
Nearco Col D’Orcia Merlot 2012

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Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate Merlot 2014

97
Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: The Alexander Valley AVA has been compared to Bordeaux in terms of growing conditions, and this vintage continues a 30-year tradition for producing classic, rich, full-bodied Merlots. Winemaker Kevin Hall has crafted a beautiful wine with rich, juicy black fruit flavors with hints of pepper and spice. Fifteen months in oak has added a rich structure. The end result is silky elegance with a long lingering finish. A wine unfazed by fads that has stayed true in style for those who truly appreciate Merlot.
Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate Merlot 2014

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Crossfork Creek Merlot 2014

91
Crossfork Creek
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Washington
Appellation: Yakima Valley
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: A deep bold Merlot from Sheridan. shows blackberry, blueberry, tobacco and subtle oak notes for structure. The bold texture is complimented by a bright acidity, making this a forward, yet complex, easy-drinking wine.
Crossfork Creek Merlot 2014

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