American Merlots

American Merlots

No, Miles didn't kill Merlot

Overlooked? Undiscovered? Yes. And if one movie has quelled demand, then consider yourself lucky... and go out and get some..

Atalon - Napa - Parker gives 89 points to this "sweet perfume."

Avignonesi - Merlot Desiderio - NapaCabs.com says, "Ripe black berry fruit, sandalwood, cinnamon, and vanilla." WA 94 Pts.

Barnett Vineyards - Napa - Rich, intense, blended with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Blair Estate - A small, family owned winery making consistently good Merlots (and other wines). This one happens to be a bargain.

Burgess - Napa - Rich and deep. A relative bargain.

Byrd Cooper - Napa - From the Neyers folks.

Cakebread Cellars - One of the stalwarts. Complex, well made, the height of great American Merlot.

Darioush - Beautifully complex and syrupy. The Wall Street Journal's "Tastings" column raved: "This was the single most memorable wine from our trip to Napa and Sonoma tasting rooms last summer and the best Merlot we tasted all year."

Duckhorn - Another big gun. Here's what the winemaker says: "The flavors are dominated by ripe berry, plum, and raspberry complemented by toasty oak, caramel, and vanilla." Wine Spectator says 90 points of the 2002.

Hedges "Three Vineyards" - Another Washington winner. 90 points Wine Enthusiast.

Leal Vineyards - Food & Wine named them one of the 20 best new wineries in 2004 extolling their Syrah. We like this San Benito county winery's Merlot, crafted by a former fencing contractor and an ex-mechanic.

Liparita - An almost perfect Napa Merlot. Rich but not too big, syrupy, smooth, complex but friendly. This wine will hug you, seduce you and give you a kiss goodnight. Goodnight Liparita. Wine Spectator, Editor's Pick 2001 Merlot.

Matanzas Creek - Good not great. The winemaker waxes about "melted toffee notes that complement the rich bouquet of black fruits."

Nelms Road/Woodward Canyon - Both the first and second label of this Walla Walla (Washington) winery are juicy, fruit forward winners. Nelms Road was a recent Food & Wine winner "Best Wine under $20."

Neyers - Pedigreed Californian. Also known for their Syrah. Plus Byrd-Cooper, French style Merlot.

Pacific Oasis. Santa Barbara County ten dollah winner. Smooth but not fuzzy. Inexpensive but not sharp. Available at NapaCab.s

Rancho Sisquoc - From Santa Barbara. Edward Robinson's favorite.

Paumanok - Long Island, yes Long Island.

Pride Mountain Vineyards - "An openly seductive style, with ripe currant, blackberry and wild berry fruit shaded by splashy mocha, espresso bean and oak flavors. It’s complex and concentrated, but also quite tannic, so if you pull the cork tonight, decant an hour," says James Laube, Wine Spectator. WS 93 points. RP 92 points. ($60 plus).

Rombauer - Balanced, dense, mocha and ripe plum. A winner at around $27. (Thanks to Watershed, new favorite Atlanta restaurant).

Selene - Napa. Thanks for writing in, HS.

Shafer - Good, expensive.

Sherwood House Vineyards - Another Long Island winery. WS 88 points. Under $20.

Trefethen - A classic American merlot: big, ripe, deep, rich, round. (San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition winner).

Twomey - Another robust Napa Valley contender, from the Silver Oak gang. WA 91-93 points.

Verite - Top of the line. If you're feeling flush. Bordeaux style micro-crus. All score well above 90 points with Parker, Tanzer and their ilk.

Warnke Cellars - Napa bargain. Fruit-forward style, full mouthfeel, supple with a welcoming nose. New world style.

Whitehall Lane - Good, bang for buck.



Forbes article here.