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.

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.

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.

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

Characteristic of Clos Du Val's world-class style, the 2010 Merlot continues the winery's tradition of producing truly elegant wines of balance and complexity. Full-bodied and deep plum in color, it offers complex yet vibrant aromas of black currant, spice, dark chocolate and a hint of toast. The mouth-feel is warm and rich, with a solid middle marked with flavors of black cherry and blueberry complimented by a silky, lingering finish.

Sweet cherry, ripe plum, hints of vanilla and overtones of anise and aged leather appear in the aroma. On the palate, this generous wine features cherry, plum and blackberry fruit with supple tannins and a lingering finish.

Discover Tabor Adama Merlot

Washington is producing some of the best Merlot in the country and with a splash of Syrah & Cabernet you are in for a treat! Not to mention you are helping prove that #LOVEbeatscancer! Aromas of smoke, cocoa, and black fruit meet you on the nose. The palate shows red and black fruit with subtle vanilla flavors accompanied by cocoa & spice on the finish.

Discover Merryvale Merlot Starmont

Discover Clos Pegase “Mitsuko” Merlot

A nice swirl of the glass reveals aromas of sandalwood, currant and plum that pleasantly lead to enticing flavors of blueberry, blackberry and violet. Juicy and robust, our 2012 Reserve Selection Merlot displays nice structure, firm tannins and a lengthy finish worthy of the designation of Reserve Selection.

Discover Ettore Germano Balau

Copious notes of red fruit, strawberry jam and spicy notes. Fresh berry preserve shows on the entry, bright acidity integrates the oak tannin, creating a creamy mid palate.

Layered with complex aromas of black cherry, rose petal, and plum, this full bodied balanced Merlot shows layers of baking spices and cocoa with a seamless finish carried by fine-grained tannins.

The wine is deep garnet in color — inviting notes of wet stone, sun-warmed raspberries, and a slight cooling note of fresh fennel. Its medium body delivers soft, supple tannins that are a distinctive and prized feature of our Merlot. The wine finish offers notes of baking spices. Drink now and over the next five years.

Discover Paumanok Merlot 2013

A complex nose wild blueberry, cherry, and pomegranate; with a touch of cedar, spice, and subtle mint. The mouth is smooth - layered with rich flavors of blackberry, plum jam, red currants, and sweet vanilla. Firm tannins fill the palate and provide an elegant finish of dried red fruits.

Flavorful layers of chocolate, cherry, and green olive elements, finishing with silky tannins.

Discover Barkan Vineyards Merlot Reserve

Well-structured and elegant, this Merlot opens with notes of red and black cherry, red plum and cranberry. On the palate, it delivers on its promise of ripe red fruit and subtle spice with long, fine tannins.

Discover Neyers Ranch Merlot 2011

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.