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.

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.

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