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    The Best Merlot

    The Merlot grape is a bit of an enigma. Simultaneously shunned and adored, it is used in some of the most expensive Bordeaux wines (particularly in the prestigious Right Bank regions of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion) as well as some of the cheapest dollar bottles on the market.

    The Best Merlot - The Reverse Wine Snob Picks!

    Don't let either reputation scare you away from what this variety has to offer; however, as there are some truly excellent, inexpensive examples for Reverse Wine Snobs to explore. In this listing of the best Merlot under $20 we'll highlight our favorites that truly deliver a lot of bang for the buck as well as a few "Saturday Splurge" (over $20) selections.

    Both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are children of Cabernet Franc, and these two grapes are grown just about everywhere. Often confused with each other, Merlot is typically less tannic, softer and a bit fruitier than its more famous relative. Both varieties can have tons of aging potential and can go wonderfully with burgers or other red meats off the grill, it really just comes down to personal preference. If you've mainly been a Cabernet drinker up to this point, we highly encourage you to check out Merlot as well.

    We've generally found some of the best bottles to come from places like Washington State, France, California and Italy, where it is often a component of Super Tuscan blends.

    Click here to get a printable shopping list of the best Merlot to buy now!

    Washington State, the second largest producer of wine in the US, might be the sweet spot at the moment in terms of delivering value. The unique and varying soils of the Columbia Valley combined with 300 days of sunshine a year, large day and night (diurnal) temperature variations and low rainfall amounts all create fabulous conditions for growing high-quality grapes.

    In fact, Washington Merlot (along with Spanish Garnacha) is usually one of our top recommendations when people ask us for the best places to find value, regardless of variety.

    That said, don't dismiss other regions when seeking out excellent examples of this variety. Even areas such as Argentina and Chile are starting to deliver some fantastic value. We cover all these regions and more in our list of the best Merlot (mostly) under $20.

    And one last tip, some of the best examples of this variety come in the form of red blends with Merlot adding its signature soft, round mouthfeel to other varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. Don't be afraid to explore these as well.

    Read on for our list of The Best Merlot Under $20!

    INSIDER DEAL! 98-Point Merlot and 94-Point Zin Over Half Off!

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 1, 2023 Last Updated: March 3, 2023

    INSIDER DEAL! 98-Point Merlot and 94-Point Zin Over Half Off!

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. You read that headline right, these two incredible, incredibly high-scoring wines from one of our favorite wineries are over 50% off … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, California - Dry Creek Valley, Deals, Highly Recommended, Insider Deals, Merlot, Vegan, Zinfandel

    Cannonball Merlot - Geronimo!

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: February 2, 2023 Last Updated: February 3, 2023

    Cannonball Merlot - Geronimo!

    Jump right in and enjoy the smooth, tasty and easy-drinking Cannonball California Merlot. Merlot mostly from Mendocino (80%) with the remainder from Paso Robles and Sonoma County, California. The wine is aged in 20% new French oak and has just 2.7 g/L of residual sugar. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Merlot

    INSIDER DEAL! Save an Incredible $50 A BOTTLE

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 9, 2023 Last Updated: January 13, 2023

    INSIDER DEAL! Save an Incredible $50 A BOTTLE

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. It's back! You've got one more chance to get this 96-point Cab and 94+ point Merlot discounted 63%. Don't miss the Desert Wind … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Deals, Insider Deals, Merlot, Saturday Splurge, Wahluke Slope, Washington

    INSIDER DEAL! Pedroncelli Mixed Reds - Jackpot!

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 26, 2022 Last Updated: January 2, 2023

    INSIDER DEAL! Pedroncelli Mixed Reds - Jackpot!

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. One of our most compelling deals to date! 3 favorite, highly recommended wines (Cabernet, Merlot and Zinfandel) from one of our very … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, California, California - Dry Creek Valley, Deals, Insider Deals, Merlot, Zinfandel

    J. Lohr Los Osos Paso Robles Merlot - Juicy!

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: November 21, 2022 Last Updated: November 21, 2022

    J Lohr Los Osos Paso Robles Merlot - Juicy!

    Smooth, crowd-pleasing Merlot from Paso Robles at a great price. We review the J. Lohr Los Osos Paso Robles Merlot. 76% Merlot, 14% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Franc from the El Pomar district of Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, California. The wine was whole berry … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Highly Recommended, Merlot

    Toad Hollow Merlot – Downright Tasty

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: October 26, 2022 Last Updated: October 27, 2022

    Toad Hollow Merlot – Downright Tasty

    Solid and super drinkable, the Toad Hollow Merlot from Sonoma County. 100% Merlot from the Toad Hollow estate vineyard in Russian River Valley as well other Sonoma County regions in California. The wine is aged in older American and French oak barrels for 18 months and has … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Highly Recommended, Merlot

    Le Palaie Gatta Ci Cova Terre di Pisa Rosso Review

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: October 8, 2022 Last Updated: October 8, 2022

    Le Palaie Gatta Ci Cova Terre di Pisa Rosso Review

    A simple but pleasing blend of Sangiovese and Merlot from Tuscany, Italy. We review Le Palaie Gatta Ci Cova Terre di Pisa Rosso. A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot from the relatively new appellation of Terre di Pisa in Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged in stainless steel … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Italy, Merlot, Red Blends, Sangiovese

    INSIDER DEAL! Tin Barn Pickberry Vineyard Merlot - Pure Pleasure

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: October 7, 2022 Last Updated: October 10, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Tin Barn Pickberry Vineyard Merlot - Pure Pleasure

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. There's nothing subtle about this one. Save 41% on a new, Perfect 10 vintage of the Tin Barn Pickberry Vineyard Merlot! Reader … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Deals, Highly Recommended, Insider Deals, Merlot

    Chateau des Rochers Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux Review

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: August 22, 2022 Last Updated: September 1, 2022

    Chateau des Rochers Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux Review

    Quite the find at Costco for just $6.99, we review the Chateau des Rochers Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux. Merlot from organically grown grapes in the Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux region of France. The wine has 3.2 g/L residual sugar. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Costco, France, Merlot, Organic

    Markham Napa Valley Merlot - Bulls-Eye!

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: May 13, 2022 Last Updated: January 1, 2023

    Markham Napa Valley Merlot - Bulls-Eye!

    A great example of the variety, we review the Markham Napa Valley Merlot. 87% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah from Napa Valley, California. 57% of the wines is estate grown from the Rockerbox, Yountville Ranch, Hopper House, Little Cannon and … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Highly Recommended, Merlot

    Oberon Napa Valley Merlot - Fantastic

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: April 10, 2022 Last Updated: January 1, 2023

    Oberon Napa Valley Merlot - Fantastic

    Smooth, supple and delicious, we review the Oberon Napa Valley Merlot. About 90% Merlot from the Oakville District, 8% Syrah from Dry Creek Valley and 2% Zinfandel from Middletown, California. The wine is aged in French oak, 45% new, for 12 months. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Highly Recommended, Merlot

    Flora & Stone Merlot - Enjoyable Enough

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 15, 2022 Last Updated: January 15, 2023

    Flora & Stone Merlot - Enjoyable Enough

    Pretty satisfying for just $7, we review the Flora and Stone Merlot from Aldi. Merlot from California. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Aldi, California, Merlot

    INSIDER DEAL! Ty Caton Upper Bench Merlot - Full Throttle

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 7, 2022 Last Updated: March 9, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Ty Caton Upper Bench Merlot - Full Throttle

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Save 48% on this super fun to drink wine! It's the rich, dense and flavorful Ty Caton Upper Bench Merlot. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Deals, Insider Deals, Merlot, Saturday Splurge

    The Best INSIDER DEAL Yet? 50% Off Perfect 10 Meritage!

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: February 28, 2022 Last Updated: March 2, 2022

    The Best INSIDER DEAL Yet? 50% Off Perfect 10 Meritage

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Master winemaker Clark Smith is back with a stunning wine that is aged an incredible 90 months in French oak barrels, the Two Jakes … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, California - Lake County, Deals, Highly Recommended, Insider Deals, Meritage, Merlot, Red Blends

    Chateau Haut Claribes Bordeaux Superieur Review

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: February 27, 2022 Last Updated: January 15, 2023

    Chateau Haut Claribes Bordeaux Superieur Review

    A smooth Merlot from Trader Joe's, the Chateau Haut Claribes Bordeaux Superieur. Primarily Merlot from Bordeaux, France. The wine has 2 g/L of residual sugar. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: France, Merlot, Trader Joe's

    Chasing Rain Red Mountain Merlot - Washington State Goodness

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: February 3, 2022 Last Updated: January 21, 2023

    Chasing Rain Red Mountain Merlot - Washington State Goodness

    A nice example of Washington Merlot at a discounted Costco price, the Chasing Rain Red Mountain Merlot. 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Red Mountain AVA in the Yakima Valley of Washington State. The wine is aged for 19 months in 30% new American oak and 10% … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Costco, Merlot, Washington, Washington - Yakima Valley

    INSIDER DEAL! Donati Family Vineyard The Immigrant - Damn Good Merlot

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 3, 2022 Last Updated: January 12, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Donati Family Vineyard The Immigrant - Damn Good Merlot

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Big and tasty Merlot over 50% off, it's a new vintage of the Donati Family Vineyard The Immigrant. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Deals, Insider Deals, Merlot

    INSIDER DEAL! Pedroncelli Merlot - Italian for AutoBuy

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: October 27, 2021 Last Updated: January 12, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Pedroncelli Merlot - Italian for Autobuy

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW SOLD OUT! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. The most popular winery ever in our Insider Deals is back with a 40% discount on the Bulk Buy rated Pedroncelli Bench Vineyards … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, California, California - Dry Creek Valley, Deals, Insider Deals, Merlot

    Trader Joe's Reserve Napa Valley Merlot Lot 202 Review

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 26, 2021 Last Updated: January 24, 2023

    Trader Joe's Reserve Napa Valley Merlot Lot 202

    Smooth and round, the highly recommended Trader Joe's Reserve Napa Valley Merlot Lot 202. Merlot from Napa Valley, California. As is typical with these wines, no other info is given on the label. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Highly Recommended, Merlot, Trader Joe's

    Luke Wahluke Slope Merlot - Oh My!

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 4, 2021 Last Updated: January 25, 2023

    Luke Merlot - Oh My!

    A great example of Washington State's signature grape at a great Costco price, the Luke Merlot. 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc from vineyards (Stone Tree, Weinbau, Ravenscliff, King Fuji and Southwind) in the Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington. The wine is aged … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Costco, Merlot, Wahluke Slope, Washington

    Trader Joe's Reserve Chalk Hill Merlot - The Quintessential Burger Wine?

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: June 14, 2021 Last Updated: January 27, 2023

    Trader Joe's Reserve Chalk Hill Merlot - The Quintessential Burger Wine?

    Bulk Buy! The Trader Joe's Reserve Chalk Hill Merlot Lot 213 from Sonoma County. Merlot from Chalk Hill in Sonoma County, California. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, California, Merlot, Trader Joe's

    Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Merlot - Oaktastic

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: June 1, 2021 Last Updated: January 31, 2023

    Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Merlot - Oaktastic

    A delicious wine with a whole lot of oak influence, the Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Merlot. Available widely including at Costco. 89% Merlot, 10% Syrah and 1% Viognier from vineyards in the Wahluke Slope and Horse Heaven Hills as well as the Cold Creek Vineyard in … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Costco, Highly Recommended, Merlot, Washington

    INSIDER DEAL! Chateau Roc de Candale Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 31, 2021 Last Updated: January 14, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Chateau Roc de Candale Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Saint Emilion Grand Cru almost 50% off, this guaranteed sell-out is back...while it lasts. The first time we offered the … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Deals, France, Highly Recommended, Insider Deals, Merlot

    INSIDER DEAL! Olelo Paso Robles Merlot - Easy To Indulge

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: October 15, 2020 Last Updated: January 14, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Olelo Paso Robles Merlot - Easy To Indulge

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Your new daily drinker has arrived! 38% off and less than $11 a bottle, the Olelo Paso Robles Merlot is the perfect wine to stock up … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Deals, Highly Recommended, Insider Deals, Merlot

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