
California Merlot
Learn about California Merlot, common tasting notes, defining characteristics and more ...
Today the fourth most widely planted red variety in the state, Merlot has much to offer. While it bears similarities to Cabernet Sauvignon (its half-sibling), it tends to be lower in both acidity and tannins, giving Merlot wines a mouthfeel that is often perceived as soft, round and plush. These qualities make it an ideal blending partner for Cabernet, the two complementing each other throughout.
Merlot arrived relatively late to the California wine scene. It wasn’t until the 1970’s when producers like Louis Martini, Sterling and Matanzas Creek—influenced by European Merlot blends—began crafting single varietal versions. These trend-setting bottles opened the eyes of others in the California wine scene and spurred increased plantings. From there, the variety’s lush drinkability led to a surge in popularity, then overplanting (some of it on unsuitable sites) and finally a backlash that was turbo-charged by the infamous 2004 film, Sideways. What most viewers didn't realize was that, as much as Miles derided the variety, the prized wine of his collection—a 1961 Château Cheval Blanc—is made from a blend of Merlot with Cabernet Franc.
Fine examples of California Merlot—either as a single varietal wine or as part of a blend—can be found from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, the Central Coast and most regions around the state. Merlot wines offer a ripe, sensual mouthful of plummy fruit, suggestions of mint, herbs and vanilla, all carried along by an approachable structure and often, a great potential for improving with age.
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Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot 1998Merlot from North Coast, California
- WS
- WE
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Bonterra Organically Grown Merlot 1998Merlot from North Coast, California
- WS
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Artesa Sonoma Merlot 1998Merlot from Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Raymond Reserve Selection Merlot 1998Merlot from Napa Valley, California
- WE
- WS
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Gallo of Sonoma Merlot 1998Merlot from Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Rosenblum Cellars Lone Oak Merlot 1998Merlot from Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Grand Archer Merlot 1998Merlot from Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Indigo Hills Merlot 1998Merlot from California
- WS
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Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Merlot 1998Merlot from Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Seven Peaks Merlot 1998Merlot from Central Coast, California
- WS
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Ferrari-Carano Merlot 1998Merlot from Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Kenwood Sonoma County Merlot 1998Merlot from Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Fetzer Barrel Select Merlot 1998Merlot from North Coast, California
- WS
- WE
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St. Francis Merlot 1998Merlot from Sonoma County, California
- WS
- WE
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Sterling Napa Merlot 1998Merlot from Napa Valley, California
- WS
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Chappellet Merlot 1998Merlot from Napa Valley, California
- WS
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Fife Merlot 1998Merlot from Russian River, Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Merlot 1998Merlot from Napa Valley, California
- WS
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Silverado Merlot 1998Merlot from Napa Valley, California
- WS
- W&S
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Trefethen Estate Merlot 1998Merlot from Napa Valley, California
- WS
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Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Merlot 1998Merlot from Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Burgess Merlot 1998Merlot from Napa Valley, California
- WS
- WE
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Robert Mondavi Carneros Merlot 1998Merlot from Carneros, California
- WS
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Chateau Souverain Merlot 1998Merlot from Sonoma County, California
- RP
- WS
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Stags' Leap Winery Merlot 1998Merlot from Napa Valley, California
- WS
- WE