Merlot is a red wine grape variety that is widely grown in various wine regions around the world. It is known for its smoothness and medium body, making it a popular choice for many wine lovers. However, with so many Merlots available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which is the best. In this article, we’ll explore what makes a Merlot great and highlight some of the best Merlots available.
What Makes a Great Merlot?
A great Merlot should have a balance of fruitiness, acidity, tannins, and oak flavor. It should also have a deep, rich color and an intense aroma. The best Merlots are typically made from high-quality grapes grown in ideal conditions, such as those found in Bordeaux, France, where Merlot is the primary grape variety.
Top Merlots to Try
- Chateau Petrus 2016
Chateau Petrus is a Bordeaux-based winery that produces some of the most exceptional Merlots in the world. Their 2016 vintage is a blend of 100% Merlot grapes, and it boasts a deep, rich color and intense flavors of black fruit, vanilla, and tobacco. The wine is also known for its impressive aging potential.
- Duckhorn Merlot 2017
Duckhorn Vineyards is a well-known winery in California that produces some of the best Merlots in the region. Their 2017 vintage is a blend of 87% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot, and it has a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of black cherry, vanilla, and spice.
- Chateau Cheval Blanc 2015
Chateau Cheval Blanc is another Bordeaux-based winery that produces some of the most highly-regarded Merlots in the world. Their 2015 vintage is a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc and 55% Merlot grapes, and it boasts a deep, ruby-red color and flavors of red and black fruit, spice, and earth.
- Shafer Merlot 2017
Shafer Vineyards is a family-owned winery in California that has been producing high-quality Merlots for over 30 years. Their 2017 vintage is a blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it has a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of black cherry, chocolate, and espresso.
- Leonetti Merlot 2017
Leonetti Cellar is a family-owned winery in Washington State that produces some of the best Merlots in the region. Their 2017 vintage is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, and it has a deep, dark color and flavors of blackberry, plum, and cocoa.
In conclusion, the best Merlots are those that balance fruitiness, acidity, tannins, and oak flavor. They are typically made from high-quality grapes grown in ideal conditions, such as those found in Bordeaux or California. Chateau Petrus 2016, Duckhorn Merlot 2017, Chateau Cheval Blanc 2015, Shafer Merlot 2017, and Leonetti Merlot 2017 are some of the best Merlots available, each with its unique flavor profile and style. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of wine, these Merlots are an excellent place to start.
