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More Top Rated Merlot

Merlot grapes growing the French wine region of Bourg AOC on the right bank of Bordeaux.

Merlot is the most widely cultivated grape in the Bordeaux region. The name is derivative of an Old French word for "young blackbird" (“merle”), probably to indicate the dark color of the grape. The medium-bodied wine often has notes of red berries, blackberry, strawberry, black cherry and plum, as well as hints of cedar, tobacco, chocolate and fruitcake. The best previously featured Merlots we've tasted, starting with our highest rated wines.

Cosentino Winery
2002 Reserve Merlot
Napa Valley, CA
15.5/20

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Korbin Kameron Vineyards
2004 Mount Veeder Merlot
Sonoma Valley, CA
15/20
$46

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PlumpJack
2004 Merlot
Napa Valley, CA
14.5/20

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Trefethen
2002 Merlot
Napa Valley, CA
14.5/20

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D'Argenzio
2002 Merlot
Napa Valley, CA
14/20

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Grgich Hills
Merlot 2003 Estate Grown
Napa Valley, CA
14/20

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Hogue Cellars
2003 Reserve Merlot
Columbia Valley, WA
14/20

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Irony
2002 Merlot
Napa Valley, CA
14/20

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Mayacamas
2001 Merlot
Napa Valley, CA
14/20

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Pietra Santa Winery
2003 Merlot
Cienega Valley, CA
14/20
$15

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Robledo Family Winery
1999 Merlot
Carneros, CA
14/20

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Sagelands
1998 Merlot
Columbia Valley, WA
14/20

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Beaulieu Vineyard
2004 Coastal Estates Merlot
California
13.5/20
$9

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Brucher
1999 Merlot
Santa Barbara County, CA
13.5/20

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Canoe Ridge
2000 Merlot
Columbia Valley, WA
13.5/20

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William Hill Winery
2002 Merlot
Napa Valley, CA
13.5/20

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Casa Nuestra
1999 Napa Valley Estate Merlot
Napa, CA
13/20

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Pighin
1998 Merlot Friuli Grave
Friuli, Italy
13/20

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Summerland Winery
2001 Merlot
Central Coast, CA
13/20

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Current list of Top Merlot
More Top Rated Wines

*Merlot photo by Michael Clarke

(Updated: 03/21/12 BH)

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