Over the last 20 years, Merlot wines have suffered a decline in reputation. This is unfortunate because when the grape is treated with respect by wineries the result can contend with more popular wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. The following wines – all good values compared to similar quality Cabernets – prove the point.
Markham Vineyards, founded in 1874, is a Napa Valley pioneer. It is the fourth oldest continuously operating winery in Napa County. Merlot is the flagship variety and the winery produces over a dozen unique Merlots and Merlot blends from estate vineyards.
- 2021 Napa Valley ($31) one-third estate grapes, the rest from trusted growers; ripe raspberry, plum jam enhanced by caramel notes
- 2019 District Series Oak Knoll District ($57) District Series wines focus on reflecting individual appellations; this one is a selection from the estate Little Cannon Vineyard; a cool site, slow ripening yields complex, layered, mixed berry fruit and gravelly notes
- 2019 Marked Parcels Little Cannon Vineyard ($67) each year, certain parcels are marked as the best examples of variety and vintage, and reserved for limited bottlings; this is full, with dark berries, anise, lush tannins
- 2018 Marked Panels Yountville Ranch Vineyard ($67) from Markham’s original estate vineyard (which recently cult Cabernet producer Dominus Estate purchased), this is dark, smoky, showing blackberry, blueberry and sleek tannins
2020 Seven Hills SHW Founding Vineyard ($50) Established in 1988 as the 5th winery in the now highly sought after Walla Walla Valley in Washington; deep mixed berries, elegant presentation, balanced notes of cinnamon, anise and creamy oak
2021 Whitehall Lane Napa Valley ($40) founded in 1979, one of Napa’s few remaining family-run wineries; enjoy pretty strawberry, raspberry rhubarb, red plum, intriguing overlay of herbs, red pepper and licorice, finished with tangy tannins
2022 Charles Krug Napa Valley ($31) established in 1861 by Prussian immigrant Charles Krug, this is one of Napa Valley’s oldest wineries, though now owned by the family of Italian immigrant Peter Mondavi Sr. since 1943; red berries overlayed with chocolate and tobacco, fairly full, youthful tannins
And finally, a couple of very good values from Riboli Family Wines. Founded in 1917, these wines source from family-owned vineyards in Paso Robles and Monterey.
- 2020 Maddelena Estate Reserve ($25) juicy dark fruits, smoke, savory light body
- 2018 San Simeon Estate Reserve ($30) black and red berries, earthy, tobacco, rich structure, round tannins