Merlot Wine Recommendations

By Thom Elkjer

Here are some of my favorite Merlot programs, because they succeed year in and year out in producing memorable wine. The bottlings from these producers cost more than ordinary Merlot, but far less than extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon, which is what they should be compared to. Most top–class Merlot can age in the bottle until ten years from the vintage, if not longer, if they are kept in a temperature–controlled wine cellar or in a cool, dark place free of vibration. If you drink them when they are released — generally two or three years after harvest — don't be afraid to pour them into a decanter first.

	Columbia Crest Columbia Valley Reserve: plump and fleshy but shot through with baking spices, mocha, espresso, and other mouth-enlivening flavors that keep arranging themselves in new combinations.
	Northstar Merlot Columbia Valley: full of plums, currants, and black cherry flavors, with polished tannins, plush mouthfeel, and long, sweetening finish. One of my favorite Merlot programs for a decade.
	Pride Merlot Napa-Sonoma Counties: a rare two-county wine grown on the top of Spring Mountain, with exceptional polish, balance and elegance to go along with its intense, concentrated, mountain-grown fruit.
	Selene Merlot Napa Valley: defies description in most vintages, because the whole is so much more than the sum of its parts. Plenty of berry and plum fruit, for sure, and a welcome femininity in the assured, serious structure.
	Turnbull Merlot Oakville: has all the ripe, round, softness we love in Merlot, but structured with sweet oak, fine-grained tannins and deceptive acidity that keep the wine fresh and complex in your mouth.
	Walla Walla Vintners Merlot Columbia Valley: this consistent winner from Washington is a bit smaller in size that most knock-out Merlots, but it's often creamier, more chocolatey and perfectly balanced.