Best Merlot Under $30

It is exciting when one observes both varietal character and site characteristics at once. Merlot in its pure blackberry and blueberry fruit, there is also some kind of floral, sagely-sweetness we’ve come to expect from Star Lane Vineyard red wines. Very youthful in its flavor expression, the palate’s primary bend is toward freshness, charm, and a subtle depth. Very fine tannins and balanced mouth feel belie the wine’s depth and serious structure. Our belief is this wine will carry itself for some time, rewarding the patient.

Planted in the 1970s, Cold Creek is one of Washington’s oldest and most acclaimed vineyards. Character builds season after season in the growth rings of the old woody vines. Sun-drenched growing conditions with low rainfall result in small berries with full-bodied flavors. This Merlot has broad-shouldered structure, concentrated fruit characters and deep color. Drinkable now or lay down to age.

Frédéric Palacios is a passionate and whole winegrower. Like his wines, he is also a character who leaves no one indifferent. Today it expresses the quintessence of its so particular terroir of Malepère. The wines of Mas de mon Père are deep, sincere and generous. M as I am! 2016: blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. A powerful, broad and fleshy wine to accompany pretty winter dishes. The guard is interesting.

Baracchi's Merlot is a smooth, silky wine that has cherry on the nose, as well as hints of graham cracker and chocolate; the palate experiences a textured combination of soft, sweet and pleasantly salty tastes, lingering finish and aftertaste of fruit. The Smeriglio Merlot goes well with food and will stand the test of time, able to be enjoyed now or over the next 15 years.

Merlot has remained at the core Swanson Vineyards’ identity since Clarke Swanson purchased the estate vineyard in 1985. The clay-loam soil in the 75-acre Oakville vineyard and close relationships with several of Napa’s best growers are the most vital factors in our quest to make Napa Valley’s premier Merlot.

85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon After careful hand harvesting, the grapes are de-stemmed and left to soak for two days to fully extract their fruity, spicy character. A small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon is included to enhance depth. An extraordinary, full-bodied red, this Reserve Merlot possesses a bouquet of red berries, cassis and roses, underscored by hints of white pepper, cloves and green olives. Spicy elements carry through on the palate, mingling with ripe fruit flavors. An outstanding accompaniment to grilled red meats, poultry, risottos and mushroom-based dishes. 90 Points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Sept 2019

Aromas of cocoa, black fruits, fresh plum and white pepper. Full flavors of black cherry, fennel, blackberry and a touch of spice. Soft tannins and balanced acidity make this wine food-friendly and suitable for cellaring. Drink now through 2019

Aromas of violets, blueberries and spice are followed by an elegant palate of blackberry, black cherry and mocha. Supple tannins add weight and a polished texture and lead to a bright, lush finish.

This Santa Cruz Mountains Merlot has a dark garnet color. The nose is layered with aromas of dark fruit, smoked meat, and toasted oak. Plum jam, blueberries, blackberry pie and violet aromas blend nicely with hints of cedar, vanilla bean, black pepper and wet granite. Flavors are bright with berries, baking spices, dark chocolate and cola. This wine is full-bodied with a hint of sweet oak on the finish

The grapes were grown in the winery’s Estate Vineyard in Rutherford and select vineyards throughout Napa Valley. Whitehall Lane has always utilized the art of blending to make a Merlot with layers of flavors, complexity and balance. The bright flavors of plum, blackberry and black cherry are at its core and deliver a soft, fruity and smooth mouth-coating texture. It is precisely balanced all the way to its finish with pleasing length.

Discover Lenz Estate Selection Merlot

Psagot Merlot is a rich wine, characterized by a tight body and an acidic backbone. This wine features aromas of red forest fruit, red plum, red and black cherry, and a touch of green. An elegant wine with a unique, distinctly Israeli flavor profile that pairs well with meat dishes.This wine is expected to age well.

Medium body, light tannin, red berry flavor, earthy finish

Discover Tinhorn Creek Merlot

Discover Or Haganuz Marom Merlot

Discover Flora Springs Merlot Napa

Wine drinkers gravitate to Merlot for its accessibility, generous fruit flavors and curvaceous texture. Capturing and presenting Merlot's style and charm has been our primary mission since our founding. Our Merlot is an elegantly refined blend of classic Bordeaux varietals that create a beautiful bouquet of rich aromas and prolonged flavors. Lavish cherry fruit flavors are backed by a rich, balanced structure for an intensely complex Merlot. At Rutherford Hill winery, only French oak barrels are used to age each harvest. These barrels rest naturally in our caves which provide a unique environment that enhances the wine-aging process. Silky, full-flavored, firm, and built for today’s enjoyment, the wine finishes with smooth tannins and intricate layers of flavor on the palate.

Discover Mission Hill Reserve Merlot

The 1997 Marilyn Merlot is an exceptional bottle of wine. This rich Napa Valley Merlot is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, creating an impression of fullness in the mouth with a nice balance of acids and tannins and a suggestion of oak. Aromas of ripe, plump blackberry complement the lovely, lingering fruit on the finish.

Aromas of red cherry, ripe raspberry & espresso, with a full body and dry, fruit forward finish.

Discover Michael Pozzan Merlot

The aroma of the Merlot will immediately remind you of what the British call a “Claret”, or a red from Bordeaux. Considering 62% of red grapes grown in Bordeaux are Merlot, this makes sense. Pretty red fruit and vanilla aromas with a hint of earth announce this wine has character. The cherry, raspberry, cola flavors are bright and smooth, the finish refreshing. This wine is a classic style that compliments many cheeses, nuts, duck dishes, prime rib, ravioli and other savory, not sweet or too spicy dishes.

Discover Desert Hills Merlot

The warm growing season of 2014 provided us with some intensely flavoured Merlot grapes. The wine boasts aromas of rich black cherry, smoky plum, spice and toasty oak. The palate is rich and full-bodied with firm structured tannins and a long finish. We suggest pairing with similarly bold foods; braised short ribs, lasagna, bison burgers and an array of aged hard cheeses.

Discover Mollydooker Merlot Scooter

Discover La Citadelle de Diamant Jethro Merlot

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia combines the Mediterranean expression of opulence and generosity with structure and complexity. The approachable style of Le Volte dell’Ornellaia, a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, reflects the philosophy and savoir-faire of Ornellaia.

This Merlot-rich claret has an approachable, black-fruit aroma and shows hint of olives and liquorice.. It is medium-bodied with silky tannins and fruity plum and tobacco flavours.?

2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - BEST OF CLASS

Discover Niner Merlot Bootjack