Initially from the Right Bank regions of Bordeaux, France, Merlot wines have delighted wine enthusiasts for centuries. No longer restricted to French vineyards, Merlot wines are cultivated around the world.
What makes this rich, red grape so enticing is its variety of styles, flavors, and price points. It can be a perfect bottle after a long day at the office or a collector’s bottle saved for special occasions. We’ll list the best Merlot wines you need to try in 2023.
The Best Merlot Wines in 2023
Check out our favorite picks for the best Merlot wines. Did your favorite make our list? You’ll want some of these bottles for your collection and others for the weekend.
Chateau l’Arrosee Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe
From the French region of Saint-Emilion, Chateau l’Arrosee Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe is one of the best Merlots in France. It has sturdy tannins and bold acidity with purple and red undertones. With tasting notes of cassis, blackberry, Black currant, and vanilla-flavored tobacco, this bottle is worth the splurge of $387.
Leonetti Merlot
Leonetti Merlot comes from the Walla Walla Valley in Washington, where the cooler climate and heavier soils produce awarding-winning wines. It has notes of plum, black licorice, cocoa, cherry, and orange peel. Leonetti Merlot has a silky texture worth experiencing. You can get a bottle for $100.
Le Macchiole Messorio
One of Italy’s best Merlots is the Le Macchiole Messorio. This is a flagship wine from the highly respected Le Macchiole. The wine has notes of burnt oranges, black olives, oak, porcini, plum, and walnuts. A bold, savory and vibrant Merlot has velvety textures that pair well with meat. This full-bodied Merlot costs about $275 a bottle.
La Mondotte Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe
Grown in a UNESCO World Heritage vineyard in Saint-Emilion, France, La Mondotte Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe is one of the very few wineries with the title of Grand Cru Classe, classifying that it grows in the Right Bank. It has notes of plum, cassis, blackberry, raspberry, vanilla, and oak spices.
Having this title also makes it a collector’s Merlot. You can open this bottle within ten to twenty years, and you should open it to mark a special event because the wine will also be a memorable experience. A bottle costs about $460.
Pahlmeyer Merlot
Pahlmeyer Merlot is a highly rated and recommended Merlot from Napa Valley. A full-bodied Merlot with silky tannins and notes of blackberries, blueberries, forest foliage, and cedar, Pahlmeyer Merlot is a mix of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec grapes. You can pick up a bottle for about $77.
Biserno Bibbona
Biserno Bibbona is a Tuscan 97 point Merlot from the winemaker Michel Rolland. It has notes of blackcurrant, plum, blackberry, cassis, chocolate, caramel, coffee, licorice, and tobacco. Biserno Bibbona is a rich Merlot with velvety tannins and bold acidity. This collector’s bottle is a cacophony of flavors you’ll want to experience.
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Chateau La Fleur-Petrus Pomerol
From the owners of Dominus and Chateau Trotanoy, Chateau La Fleur-Petrus Pomerol is a 99-point Merlot. It has notes of blackberry, plum, dark cherry, tobacco, leather, licorice, and oak. Chateau La Fleur-Petrus Pomerol comes from the Right Bank region of France and has ripe tannins for rich acidity. A collector’s bottle, you’ll want to save it for a special occasion. The bottle costs about $500.
Realm The Tempest
Realm The Tempest is a Napa Valley Merlot from the winemaker Benoit Touquette. It has notes of blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, violets, and smoke. This Merlot contains a variety of grapes, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, for a complex blend and distinct flavor. The bottle costs around $150.
J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot
For a more affordable Merlot that you can drink with dinner or after a long day at the office, you’ll want to pick up a bottle of J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot. This is a California Merlot with notes of violets, blueberry, plum, blackberries, and oak spices. Harvested early, J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot has more acidity and refreshing lightness. You can get a bottle for about $11.
Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot
Another fantastic Napa Valley Merlot is Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot. One of California’s best Merlots, this red wine has a note of vanilla, plum, blackberry, and oak. The vineyard utilizes volcanic rocks to absorb heat during the day to help the grapes ripen overnight and protect the vineyard from cooler weather. This bottle typically sells for $110.
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How Do You Pick a Good Merlot?
Merlot has three styles: soft and fruity, medium, and full. A good Merlot is a medium to full-bodied red wine with a dry taste. While Merlots can come from all over the world, the Merlot from France and California has a good balance and will be a safe choice.
Merlots are best when it is young rather than aged. A good Merlot is aged between three to eight years, although some are better between ten to fifteen years.
What is the Best Stemware for Merlot Wines?
Most people don’t buy unique stemware to serve Merlot. You should own a beautiful universal glass that can accommodate a variety of wines. But if you want stemware that will enhance the sweet wine experience, you should consider buying:
- Port glassware
- Sherry glassware
- Stemless white wine tumbler
- Dessert wine stemware
Taste of Purple offers the finest wine glasses and stemware to enhance your wine tasting experience. Let us enhance your Merlot tasting, adding a touch of elegance to your next gathering.
Related Link: How to Hold a Wine Glass for Every Type & Occasion