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McManis Merlot – Highly Likeable

By: Jon Thorsen Last Updated: November 16, 2019

No matter your thoughts about Merlot the simple and delicious McManis Family Vineyards Merlot is one likeable wine.

McManis Merlot - Highly Likeable

Primarily Merlot along with a small amount of Petit Verdot and Tannat. 95% of the fruit comes from Lodi, California. The wine was aged for 6 months in a combination of new and used French and American oak.

Sample submitted for review. SRP of $12 and available for as low as $8. Ready to buy? Check your local retailers.

From the bottle:

At the heart of a river junction at a special estate in California lies McManis Family Vineyards, where five generations of family farmers have perfected the art of growing fruit with outstanding depth of flavor. Our winemaking team then crafts that fruit into beautiful wines for everyday enjoyment.

Our Merlot is fruit-forward with aromas of blackberry, vanilla cream, and baking spices. The mid-palate is dominated by black fruit, leading to a pleasing, toasty finish.

13.5% Alcohol

Wow, the 2017 McManis Family Vineyards Merlot has a big aromatic nose full of blackberry, cedar, wintergreen, cola, vanilla and plenty of baking of spice.

Taking a sip reveals a smooth and tasty wine. It’s pretty simple and straightforward with an almost over the top amount of oak influence but somehow it works and the result is quite delicious. It’s definitely got some residual sugar but it’s not as sweet as I was expecting.

In the mouth you’ll find similar flavors to the nose — blackberry, black cherry, nice spice notes, vanilla and plenty of cola. If you enjoy slightly sweet and oaky red blends this would be a great wine to try. It ends with lots of lasting mint, spice and vanilla along with more dark berry fruit.

Ready to buy? Check your local retailers.

2017 McManis Merlot

TASTE: 7       COST: 9
OVERALL RATING: 7.5

Recommended Buy

Looking for more of the Best Merlot Under $20? Check out our list!

The Best Merlot - The Reverse Wine Snob Picks!

You can also find more of our favorite wines from Lodi, California here.

Published: November 16, 2019 Filed Under: California - Lodi, Merlot

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About Jon Thorsen

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