53 products
Chateau La Vaisinerie Puisseguin Saint-Emilion 2019 750ml
Château La Vaisinerie — Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux 2019
Puisseguin Saint-Émilion is one of Bordeaux's four Saint-Émilion satellites — appellations that share the Saint-Émilion name and its clay-limestone terroir, but offer wines of genuine character at a fraction of the price of their more famous neighbor. Château La Vaisinerie is a standout estate in the appellation, producing a Merlot-dominant blend (90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc) that earned four separate critic endorsements in the 2019 vintage — one of Bordeaux's finest of the last decade. The result is a wine of real refinement and balance that consistently punches above its price point.
The 2019 pours a deep ruby. The nose is expressive and layered — blue fruits, blackberry, black cherry, candied violets, sweet tobacco, crushed stones, and floral notes with a mineral undertow. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, pure, and impeccably balanced: supple tannins, fine acidity, a pretty core of fruit, and a sensual, velvety-smooth finish. Already drinking beautifully with a carafe; will continue to develop through 2029.
"Blue fruits and cola cubes on the nose. Linear and direct, powerful but restrained, with a core of dark, juicy fruits and a mineral undertow giving freshness and a velvety-smooth texture to the tannins. One I want another glass of." — Georgina Hindle, Decanter, 90 Points
- Producer: Château La Vaisinerie, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
- Vintage: 2019
- Appellation: Puisseguin Saint-Émilion AOC
- Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
- Size: 750ml
- Accolades: Decanter 90 | James Suckling 90 | Jeb Dunnuck | Vinous (Neal Martin)
- Drink: Now–2029 (decant if opening today)
- Tasting Notes: Blue fruits, blackberry, black cherry, candied violets, sweet tobacco, crushed stone, supple tannins, sensual finish
- Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled ribeye, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses
Four-critic Right Bank Bordeaux at a satellite appellation price — Saint-Émilion terroir, 2019 vintage, and Merlot-driven elegance in every glass.
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot Columbia Valley 2020 750ml
Columbia Crest Grand Estates | Merlot | 2020 | 750ml | Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
Rated 90 Points – Vinous | 90 Points – James Suckling
An outstanding value from Washington State's Columbia Valley, Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot delivers dark fruit complexity, soft tannins, and a creamy finish at an everyday price. Vinous calls it "an excellent entry to the value category of Washington State Merlot."
- Winery: Columbia Crest
- Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
- Bottle Size: 750ml
- Varietal: Merlot
- Vintage: 2020
- Closure: Screw Cap
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Dark plum, herb, blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate, dark cherries, and a kiss of vanilla
- Palate: Round and juicy with tart wild berry fruits, chewy blueberry skin, mocha, and soft ripe tannins
- Finish: Bold and structured with notes of vanilla, raspberry, and lingering minerality
Critical Acclaim
- 🏆 Vinous – 90 Points: "Darkly floral and earthy with hints of animal musk and crushed blackberries. Juicy acids enliven its tart wild berry fruits. Leaves a mark of minerality along with chewy blueberry skin concentration and hints of mocha."
- 🏆 James Suckling – 90 Points: "Blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate and dark cherries, with a kiss of vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with soft, ripe tannins and a creamy finish. Drink now."
Food Pairings: Blue cheese, duck, beef, veal, and dark chocolate.
Madame de Beaucaillou Haut-Medoc 2023 750ml
Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023 (Barrel Samples)
Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 90–92 Points
"A very pretty, aromatic wine. Crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon, dried herbs, and a kiss of French oak are all nicely delineated. This juicy, perfumed, Merlot-based Haut-Médoc is a fine choice for drinking over the next decade or so. The 2023 is absolutely delicious."
James Suckling — 91–92 Points
"A crunchy red with blackcurrant and lead-pencil character. Medium body, fine tannins, and an attractive finish. Polished and friendly. 59% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot."
Jeb Dunnuck — 89–91 Points
"A terrific Haut-Médoc with a juicy, medium-bodied, elegant style and the pure, ripe red and almost blue fruit character of the vintage. Spice, spring flowers, and hints of charcoal define the aromatics, with beautiful tannins and balance."
About Madame de Beaucaillou
Madame de Beaucaillou is a relatively new and highly regarded addition to the portfolio of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou — the legendary Second Growth estate in Saint-Julien. First released in 2019 to celebrate the estate’s 300th harvest, this cuvée is a tribute to Madame Eugène-Borie, the long-standing matriarch of the owning family. Sourced from the Haut-Médoc appellation rather than Saint-Julien, it offers the winemaking precision and pedigree of Ducru-Beaucaillou at a fraction of the grand vin price — a rare opportunity to access Second Growth DNA under $30.

Food Pairings
Grilled veal chops, roast chicken with herbs, steak frites, roasted root vegetables, savory mushroom tart, Brie de Meaux, and mild Tomme de Savoie.
Product Details
- Producer: Château Ducru-Beaucaillou (Madame de Beaucaillou)
- Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
- Blend: 59% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
- Vintage: 2023
- Style: Medium-bodied, aromatic, Merlot-driven Bordeaux
- Drink: Now–2033
- Format: 750ml
67 Wine Petit Somm Series Merlot 2021 750ml
About the Petit Somm Series
The 67Wine Petit Somm Series® is a project created by our buyer, Oscar Garcia Moncada. The entire lineup offers a meticulously curated collection of high-quality, value-driven wines sourced from top regions around the world. The artwork on each label celebrates some of the most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks in New York City — bringing together the worlds of wine and the city we love.
Tasting Notes
Aromas and flavors of black plum, toasted oak, tobacco, sage, and curry. Light-to-medium body with a slightly chewy texture, crisp acidity, and a dry-yet-fruity profile. A spicy, food-friendly Merlot with lovely juiciness and a warm, woody finish.
About the Wine
This Merlot is sourced from Chile — one of South America’s most reliable producers of value-driven, fruit-forward reds. Chilean Merlot is known for its approachable tannins, vibrant dark fruit, and food-friendly versatility, making it a natural fit for the Petit Somm Series’ mission: exceptional quality at an everyday price. At under $10, this is one of the best-value Merlots on the shelf.
Food Pairings
Burgers, grilled chicken, pasta with tomato or meat sauce, mild cheddar, charcuterie, and pizza. An ideal everyday red for casual dining and entertaining.
Product Details
- Label: 67Wine Petit Somm Series®
- Curated by: Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine
- Region: Chile
- Grape: Merlot
- Vintage: 2021
- Style: Light-to-medium-bodied, spiced, food-friendly Chilean Merlot
- Format: 750ml
Bogle Vineyards Merlot 2023 750ml
Bogle Vineyards Merlot — California 2023
The Bogle family has been farming the California Delta since the late 1870s, when Captain AJ Bogle traveled west from Tennessee after the Civil War and planted the first roots in the rich delta soil. Five generations later, the family still farms over 2,000 acres of estate vineyards — and their California Merlot remains one of the most consistent and honest values in American red wine. Wine Enthusiast awarded the prior vintage 90 points, calling it a wine of baked plum, coffee bean, and grippy, mouthwatering tannins. Vegan and gluten-free certified.
The nose opens with Bing cherries, sassafras, baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, and cocoa. On the palate, supple red fruits — dried cranberry, strawberry, and grilled orange rind — give way to touches of cedar and sweet herbs. The tannins are grippy and mouthwatering, with a finish that is approachable, food-friendly, and built to over-deliver for the price.
Wine Enthusiast 90 (Prior Vintage 2022) — "Deep aromas of baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, cocoa, and dried florals. Flavors of dried cranberry, strawberry, and grilled orange rind, leaving the palate with grippy, mouthwatering tannins." — Tonya Pitts
- Producer: Bogle Vineyards, California Delta, California
- Vintage: 2023
- Appellation: California
- Varietal: Merlot
- Style: Red Wine — Approachable, Medium-Bodied
- Certifications: Vegan • Gluten-Free
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Bing cherry, sassafras, baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, cocoa, cranberry, cedar, sweet herbs
- Best Paired With: Peking duck, roasted chicken, braised short ribs, pork tenderloin, beef stew, mild cheddar, Brie
A 90-point California Merlot at an everyday price — Bogle's five-generation family estate is the benchmark for what honest American red wine can be.
Josh Legacy Red Blend by Joseph Carr 750ml
Winemaker Description
A delicious, well-balanced wine made to exacting standards, our Legacy Red Blend is bursting with rich, dark fruit flavors complemented by hints of toasted wood and fresh cracked pepper.
Founded by Joseph Carr in honor of his father, Josh Cellars makes bold, well-balanced, and delicious wines that are sophisticated yet approachable. Sourced from California’s best growing regions, they are intentionally crafted for sharing with family and friends.
Description
The nose shows aromatic blueberry and plum backed by pepper and vanilla. On the palate, the wine shows good body, with baked plums and dark cherries, with secondary notes of roasted almonds, toasted cedar, and hazelnuts, finishing long with fine, soft tannins.
Pairs well with BBQ ribs, leg of lamb, and grilled skirt steak.
Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah
Chateau Gazin Pomerol 2019 750ml
Expert Reviews — Vintage 2019
Vinous (Neal Martin) 97 Points: Beguiling bouquet with red berry fruit, truffle and light Provençal herb scents, beautifully defined. Medium-bodied with pliant tannins — exquisite in terms of balance, silky smooth, building gradually with a harmonious and quite effortless finish. Divine. A stellar showing.
Decanter (Georgina Hindle) 97 Points: Rich, full and heady nose. Ripe blackcurrant, red cherries, raspberries and strawberries with mint, black pepper and truffle. Excellent precision and density with a seductive dark chocolate edge. Powerful, muscular and confident, yet with suppleness — density and grace with a cooling finish of liquorice, mint and soft salinity. A great wine.
James Suckling 95 Points: Perfumed nose of mulberries, plums, chocolate orange and cloves. Medium-to-full bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Caressing, velvety and rich core of dark fruit. So supple and polished. 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.5% Cabernet Franc. Drink after 2024.
Wine Advocate (William Kelley) 94 Points: Fleshy and dramatic, wafting from the glass with aromas of ripe berry fruit mingled with subtle hints of truffle and violets, new oak already entirely integrated. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, broad and textural with lively acids, powdery tannins and fine length on the finish.
Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: Elegant, solid Pomerol delivering spicy red and black cherry fruits, notes of cedary herbs and flowers, medium-bodied richness, silky yet building tannins, and a great finish. Will benefit from 3–5 years of bottle age and keep for 15–20 years.
Winemaker Description
Château Gazin is one of Pomerol’s most storied estates, neighboring the legendary Pétrus on the plateau’s finest clay soils. The 2019 is a benchmark expression — a blend of 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4.5% Cabernet Franc — that showcases the appellation’s signature combination of opulence and precision. Silky, seamless, and built for the long haul, it is a wine of remarkable harmony and effortless grace.
Pairing Suggestions
- Meat: Roasted lamb rack with truffle jus, beef tenderloin, or duck confit with cherry reduction.
- Classic Bordeaux: Venison with wild mushrooms, braised short ribs, or a classic French cassoulet.
- Cheese: Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or a rich washed-rind cheese.
Chateau Marjosse Bordeaux Rouge 2022 750ml
Pierre Lurton’s Personal Estate — Bordeaux’s Best-Value Rouge
Château Marjosse is the personal estate of Pierre Lurton — Managing Director of the legendary Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem. Located in the north of Entre-Deux-Mers, Marjosse produces some of the best-value wines in all of Bordeaux, and the 2022 Bordeaux Rouge is a standout: a Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, earning 91 points from both Vinous and James Suckling. The clay-limestone soils preserved remarkable freshness in this hot, dry vintage.
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022
- Vinous — 91 pts: “A bright, nervy red. Floral notes, orange peel, mint and white pepper lend notable energy throughout. An atypically vibrant wine for the year — a pretty significant shift toward greater freshness.”
- James Suckling — 91 pts: “Pretty and vibrant, showing subtle cream to the red berries, currants and citrus on the nose. Quite firm and juicy on the palate with lightly chewy tannins and a fine, medium-long finish. Drink from 2025.”
- Decanter — 90 pts: “Blue fruit, bell pepper and a touch of spice on the nose. A generous palate with well-managed tannins and darker, more brooding black fruit and violets on the finish.”
Winemaker Notes
Chateau Marjosse Bordeaux Rouge 2022 750ml
A Merlot-based blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec from clay-limestone soils in Entre-Deux-Mers. The 2022 vintage delivered exceptional concentration, while Marjosse’s terroir preserved the freshness and vibrancy that defines this estate’s style.
Vineyard & Provenance
- Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
- Appellation: Bordeaux AOC, Entre-Deux-Mers, France
- Producer: Château Marjosse (Pierre Lurton)
- Vintage: 2022
- Soils: Clay-limestone
- Size: 750ml
Food Pairings
A versatile Bordeaux — excellent with grilled steak, roast lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, and aged Comté.
Gaja Ca' Marcanda Promis Toscana 2023 750ml
Ca’ Marcanda Promis — Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy 2023
When Angelo Gaja — the most celebrated name in Piedmontese wine — decided to plant roots in Bolgheri, he did not do it quietly. After four years of negotiations with a single landowner (the estate’s name, Ca’ Marcanda, means “house of endless negotiations” in local dialect), he acquired the property in 1996 and set about building one of the most ambitious wine estates in all of Tuscany. Promis is Ca’ Marcanda’s entry-level wine — but “entry-level Gaja” is a very different thing from entry-level anything else. A blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese from the estate’s Bolgheri vineyards, the 2023 is a classic, expressive vintage: bright, structured, and unmistakably coastal Tuscan in character.
The color is a vivid, bright ruby-red. The nose is immediately captivating: cinnamon, star anise, and warm spice frame pronounced red fruits — strawberry, black cherry, and a hint of dried violet. On the palate, the tannins are juicy and persistent, building through the mid-palate to a finish defined by a beautiful coastal salinity — the classic hallmark of great Bolgheri vintages. Elegant, energetic, and built to age.
Ca’ Marcanda — “House of Endless Negotiations.” Angelo Gaja’s Bolgheri estate, acquired after four years of talks. Worth every one of them.
- Producer: Ca’ Marcanda (Angelo Gaja), Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
- Vintage: 2023
- Appellation: Toscana IGT, Bolgheri
- Blend: Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Cinnamon, star anise, strawberry, black cherry, dried violet, juicy tannins, coastal salinity
- Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised short ribs, wild boar ragù, lamb chops, aged Pecorino Toscano
The most celebrated name in Italian wine, reimagined for the Tuscan coast — Ca’ Marcanda Promis is the benchmark for what Bolgheri can deliver at this price.
Chateau Vieux Maillet Pomerol 2019 750ml
Pomerol That Delivers Right Bank Richness and Aromatic Extravagance
Château Vieux Maillet is a small, highly regarded estate in Pomerol — the celebrated Right Bank appellation that produces some of Bordeaux’s most opulent and sought-after Merlot-based wines. The 2019 Vieux Maillet comes from an exceptional vintage across Bordeaux and delivers the hallmark Pomerol profile: succulent, aromatic, and richly textured, with the depth and fine balance to drink beautifully now or develop further through the decade.
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019
- Vinous — 94 pts: "Aromatic, effusive and charming right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, espresso and licorice lend striking aromatic nuance. There’s plenty of depth and fine balance to this decidedly extroverted Pomerol."
- Wine Enthusiast — 92 pts: "Superripe Merlot gives a wine that is succulent, rich, and densely packed with balanced blackberry fruits and solid tannins. The wine’s layers of ripeness promise great things. Drink from 2025."
- James Suckling — 92 pts: "Grilled herbs, iron, damp earth and subtle sweet spices on top of ripe plums, berries, potpourri and cooked grapefruit. Juicy and medium-bodied with round tannins and a fresh, composed finish of excellent length. Quite appealing for early drinking."
Producer Notes
Deep garnet-purple in color with well-expressed notes of black cherries, fresh blackberries, and black raspberries with suggestions of dried Mediterranean herbs, dark chocolate, eucalyptus, and cracked black pepper. Medium to full-bodied with vibrant black fruits, ripe rounded tannins, and a peppery lift on the finish.
Vineyard & Provenance
- Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Appellation: Pomerol AOC, Bordeaux, France
- Producer: Château Vieux Maillet
- Vintage: 2019
- Size: 750ml
Food Pairings
A classic Right Bank pairing — exceptional with roasted duck, lamb rack, beef tenderloin, truffle dishes, and aged Comté or Brie de Meaux.
Decoy by Duckhorn Merlot 2023 750ml
California Merlot from Duckhorn's Celebrated Everyday Label
Decoy is the acclaimed everyday label from Duckhorn Vineyards, one of Napa Valley's most respected producers. The 2023 Decoy Merlot — sourced from California's premier coastal appellations — delivers the lush, polished style that has made Decoy one of America's most beloved Merlots: rich dark fruit, silky tannins, and the kind of effortless drinkability that works equally well at a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Winemaker Notes
Beautifully lush and expressive, this alluring Merlot draws you in with aromas of black currant, black cherry, boysenberry, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, it is plush and polished, with silky tannins carrying the luxurious dark berry, creamy mocha, and bittersweet chocolate flavors to a long, supple finish.
Vineyard & Provenance
- Grape: Merlot
- Appellation: North Coast, California
- Producer: Decoy by Duckhorn Vineyards
- Vintage: 2023
- Size: 750ml
Food Pairings
Wonderfully versatile — exceptional with grilled ahi tuna, prime rib, roasted lamb chops, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses.
Gato Negro Merlot 750ml
Chilean Merlot That Delivers Everyday Pleasure at an Unbeatable Price
Gato Negro is one of Chile's most beloved everyday wine brands, sourcing from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Central Valley to produce approachable, fruit-forward wines that consistently overdeliver for the price. Their Merlot is a textbook example of Chilean value: smooth, fresh, and immediately enjoyable, with the ripe fruit character and soft tannins that make Merlot one of the world's most crowd-pleasing varieties.
Winemaker Notes
Ruby-red in color with violet hues. Intense, fresh, and fruity aromas of blackberry and plum, melded with smooth toasted notes and sweet vanilla. Medium-bodied on the palate with smooth tannins, lively fruit flavors, and a pleasing finish.
Vineyard & Provenance
- Grape: Merlot
- Appellation: Central Valley, Chile
- Producer: Gato Negro / Viña San Pedro
- Closure: Screwcap
- Size: 750ml
Food Pairings
Wonderfully versatile — great with grilled chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, burgers, mild cheeses, and casual weeknight meals.
Chateau du Parc Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 750ml
Château du Parc is a boutique Saint-Émilion estate crafted by Dr. Alain Raynaud and Damien Landouar — two names with deep roots in the Right Bank. Raynaud, formerly of Château Quinault l'Encélos, brings a philosophy of precision and restraint to this Merlot-dominant blend, producing a wine that punches well above its price point in one of Bordeaux's most celebrated appellations.
The Château du Parc Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016 750ml is an 80/20 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the exceptional 2016 vintage. It opens with redolent aromas of succulent ripe red fruit, blackberries, heather, graphite, and flinty notes, with cedary oak influence adding complexity. On the palate, lush red fruit and plummy dark cherry are framed by elegant, well-integrated tannins, fresh acidity, and a focused, juicy core with impressive length and balance. Surprisingly fresh and cool for the vintage — very classy and delicious.
Expert Reviews
- Forbes (Tom Mullen) — 95 Points: "Redolent and rich aromas of succulent, ripe red fruit, blackberries and heather. A delight on the nose. Lush red fruit flavors mid-palate, with both delicate and elegant tannins and fresh acidity."
- James Suckling — 94 Points: "Attractive graphite and flinty notes with deeply ripe red and purple fruit, as well as cedary oak influence. Succulent, juicy and focused core with impressive length and balance. Great wine."
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Ripe red fruit, blackberry, heather, graphite, and cedary oak
- Palate: Plush and plummy with dark cherry, elegant tannins, and fresh acidity
- Finish: Long, focused, and impressively balanced
Wine Details
- 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
- Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, Bordeaux, France
- Vintage: 2016 | 750ml
Chateau Tour Saint Christophe Saint-Emilion 2021 750ml
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | Spice-laden red and black fruits, leafy tobacco, savory flowers, and new leather notes all shine in the 2022 Château Tour Saint Christophe, another brilliant wine from this team. I love its complexity, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with fine tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, beautifully integrated oak, and a great finish. Based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
James Suckling 96 Points | A very good year for Tour Saint Christophe, showing great depth and flavor despite high alcohol. Abundant dark minerals, fresh blackberries, black olives and a hint of cocoa powder. Pretty full-bodied and firm with crunchy, reactive tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Lots of density here.
Decanter 94 Points | Gorgeously scented on the nose, smooth, round and focused with purity and persistence. Tannins are so fine, really sculpting this wine, with a clear bite and almost strict tang to the overall structure giving a sense of tension. I like the terroir aspect, the saltiness but still with juicy richness. Less ample than Bellefonte but more precise.
The Wine Advocate 93+ Points | This first vintage under the denomination of Grand Cru Classé, the 2022 Tour Saint Christophe is excellent, offering up aromas of spices, cassis, dark wild berries, orange peel and licorice mingled with delicate oaky notes. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and concentrated, it's layered and textured and framed by powdery, velvety tannins enhanced by a racy, pure, fresh finish. It should gain raciness with some time in the cellar.
Campo Alle Comete Stupore Bolgheri Rosso 2019 750ml
Expert Review - Vintage 2019
James Suckling 92 Points | Currant, blueberry and violet aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, fine tannins that give the wine form and focus. Chocolate and hazelnut emerge in the undertones. Drink or hold.
Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot features alluring aromas evoking cassis, black-skinned berry and underbrush. The concentrated palate offers black plum, tobacco and mocha alongside polished tannins.
Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana Organic 2023 750ml
Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023
James Suckling — 98 Points
"Dark and complex wine, earthy and concentrated yet balanced. Vibrant aromas of cassis, violets, licorice, pencil shavings and graphite. Full-bodied, it displays a dynamic palate with dense, velvety tannins, fruit concentration and crisp, integrated acidity, which keeps it in balance. Gorgeous now, but even better in two or three years and beyond."
Wine Spectator — 95 Points (Bruce Sanderson)
"This is concentrated with cherry, blackberry, plum, iron, sweet spice and tar flavors. Muscular tannins leave a firm grip on the finish, yet overall, this red feels balanced and crunchy. Best from 2027 through 2040."
About Oreno
Oreno is the flagship wine of Tenuta Sette Ponti — a Bordeaux-inspired blend from the Valdarno di Sopra in eastern Tuscany that has established itself as one of Italy’s most celebrated Super Tuscans. First produced in 1999, Oreno is built around Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, with a small addition of Petit Verdot, and is crafted to express the unique terroir of the Sette Ponti estate: galestro and alberese soils at altitude, with a continental microclimate that delivers exceptional concentration and natural acidity. The 2023 vintage — 45% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot — is certified organic.
About Tenuta Sette Ponti
Tenuta Sette Ponti is a historic estate in the Valdarno di Sopra, situated on the hills above Arezzo in eastern Tuscany — a region that takes its name from the seven bridges (sette ponti) that once crossed the Arno River nearby. The estate has been owned by the Moretti Cuseri family since 1957 and produces wines of exceptional quality from its organically farmed vineyards. Under the direction of winemaker Carlo Ferrini, Tenuta Sette Ponti has become one of Tuscany’s most acclaimed estates, with Oreno consistently earning scores in the mid-to-high 90s from the world’s leading critics.
2023 Vintage Notes
The 2023 vintage in Tuscany delivered a warm, dry growing season with well-timed rainfall that preserved natural acidity and allowed for ideal phenolic maturity. The result across the region was wines of exceptional concentration, balance, and aromatic complexity — and for Oreno, a vintage that James Suckling rated among the finest in the wine’s history at 98 points.
Food Pairings
Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised wild boar, roasted lamb, aged Pecorino Toscano, truffle pasta, and hearty Tuscan ragù. A Super Tuscan built for the table — drink now through 2040.
Product Details
- Producer: Tenuta Sette Ponti
- Wine: Oreno
- Appellation: Toscana IGT, Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany, Italy
- Blend: 45% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
- Farming: Certified organic
- Vintage: 2023
- Drink: Now through 2040
- Style: Full-bodied, complex, age-worthy Super Tuscan
- Format: 750ml
Lindeman's Smooth Merlot Bin 40 2022 750ml
Effortlessly Smooth — Lindeman's Bin 40 Merlot
Lindeman's has been crafting approachable, crowd-pleasing Australian wines since 1843, and the Bin 40 Merlot is one of their most reliable everyday expressions. Soft, elegant, and immediately drinkable, this is the kind of bottle you reach for on a weeknight without a second thought — generous fruit, smooth tannins, and a rounded finish that makes it endlessly versatile at the table. Exceptional value from one of Australia's most trusted producers.
Winemaker Notes
Lindeman's Smooth Merlot Bin 40 2022 750ml
A soft, elegant, and approachable medium-bodied wine with complete, rounded characters. Ripe plum and red berry fruit lead the way, with a touch of chocolate and soft, velvety tannins on the finish. Fermented to preserve fresh fruit aromas and smooth drinkability.
Vineyard & Provenance
- Grape: Merlot
- Appellation: South Eastern Australia
- Producer: Lindeman's
- Vintage: 2022
- Size: 750ml
Food Pairings
Wonderfully versatile — excellent with roast chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, grilled salmon, soft cheeses, burgers, and casual weeknight dinners.
Whitehall Lane Merlot Napa Valley 2019 750ml
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019
Joe Czerwinski writes: Whitehall Lane's 2019 Merlot Napa Valley actually contains 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Slightly candied cherry notes mark the nose, framed by vanilla and touches of dried tobacco, while the medium to full-bodied palate is succulent and juicy, textured without being overly rich or tannic. Drinking 2022 to 2030. - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90
James Suckling writes: Vibrant, fruity nose of ripe plums, raspberries, mulberries, licorice and nutmeg. Some chocolate orange, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins. Plush, round and succulent. Drink or hold. - Wine Spectator 91
Tim Fish writes: Refined and structured, with expressive red currant, toasty mocha and tomato leaf tones that gather tension and polish toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. - Wine Spectator 91
Winemaker Description
This Merlot offers notes of raspberry croissant, red currants, cocoa powder, and layers of graphite. The palate showcases fine, firm tannins alongside chocolate cherry lollipop, red plums, dried goji berries, and toasted brioche. It is supple in texture and shows attractive depth on the finish. Winemaker Description.
Matthews Estate Blackboard Merlot 2021 750ml
James Suckling 90 Points | The nose expresses notes of red berries, roasted meat and raw chocolate. It’s medium-bodied with chalky tannins. Rather light center palate with a dense berry- and chocolate-packed finish.
Seven Hills Winery Walla Walla Merlot 2023
Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.
James Suckling 90 Points | Ripe black cherries, dark plums, mocha and a hint of toasted almonds on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied and quite tight, yet smooth in texture. Polished finish with hints of cocoa and subtle spice.
Hahn MERLOT Central Coast 2024 750ml
Hahn MERLOT Central Coast 2024 750ml
Winemaker Description
A rich, dark garnet with vibrant purple shimmer, the 2024 Hahn Merlot opens with inviting aromas of ripe plum, cocoa, blueberry, and violet, with hints of juicy black cherry. On the palate, a luscious mouthfeel delivers dark fruit, sweet spice, and restrained tannins, leading into a lingering finish with toasty oak undertones.
From Hahn Family Wines — based in the Santa Lucia Highlands and known for crafting everyday luxury wines — this Central Coast Merlot balances richness with smooth, approachable structure.
Pair with seared duck breast, beef short ribs, or grilled pork chops.
Wine Details
Producer: Hahn Family Wines
Varietal: Merlot
Region: Central Coast / Monterey, California
Vintage: 2024
Size: 750ml
Chateau Valandraud Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé 2020 750ml
One of the Wines of the 2020 Vintage — Saint-Émilion at Its Most Magnificent
Château Valandraud is the legendary “garagiste” estate of Jean-Luc Thunevin, one of Saint-Émilion’s most celebrated and iconoclastic producers. Elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé status, Valandraud is produced from the cooler, eastern side of Saint-Émilion and is renowned for its extraordinary concentration, perfume, and longevity. The 2020 — a blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 24 months in 100% new oak — has been called one of the wines of the vintage, earning back-to-back 99-point scores from Jeb Dunnuck and James Suckling and 98 points from Vinous.
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020
- Jeb Dunnuck — 99 pts: "One of the wines of the vintage. Incredible perfume of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, violets, new leather, and an almost Hermitage-like burning embers character. Full-bodied richness, ripe seamless tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and a finish that won’t quit. Give bottles 5–7 years in the cellar. Drink 2028–2053."
- James Suckling — 99 pts: "Very opulent and expressive aromas of black fruit and pine needles. So floral. Full-bodied with plush, velvety tannins and lots of fruit and texture. It goes on for minutes. Rich at the finish, but remains fresh and vivid. Superb. One of the great Valandrauds. Drink after 2027."
- Vinous — 98 pts: "A stunner. Rich, deep and explosive with dazzling intensity from start to finish. Silky tannins wrap around a core of plush dark red/black fruit, licorice, spice, mocha and new leather. Bright and wonderfully focused with sweet floral and blood orange accents on the explosive finish. Magnificent. Drink 2028–2060."
- Decanter — 96 pts (Jane Anson): "Broad-shouldered with ample depth — brambled fruits, liquorice, cigar box spice and a gorgeously saline finish. Chalky, grippy tannins with white flowers on the aromatics. 100% new oak for 24 months. Drink 2029–2046."
- Decanter — 93 pts (Georgina Hindle): "Juicy and alive with blackcurrant, black cherry and herbal-tinged blueberries. Layers of acidity, mint, freshness and toast. Full and complex with salty minerality and unmistakable signature. Drink 2027–2046."
- Wine Spectator — 93 pts: "Black currant and fig preserves, warmed black tea, melted black licorice and a hint of alder smoke, framed by a loam- and espresso crema-accented finish. Best from 2027 through 2040."
- Wine Advocate — 92 pts: "Aromas of jammy black fruits mingled with toasted coconut, spices and new oak. Full-bodied, rich and chewy with generously extracted tannins. Drink 2025–2043."
- Jancis Robinson — 17++ pts: "Deep crimson. Dark and oaky — lots of 70% dark chocolate. Big, dense tannins with enough fresh fruit to fill it out for the long term. Drink 2030–2045."
Winemaker Notes
Freshness and opulence, fruit and structure. A perfect balance.
Vineyard & Provenance
- Blend: 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Appellation: Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé AOC, Bordeaux, France
- Producer: Château Valandraud / Jean-Luc Thunevin
- Vintage: 2020
- Aging: 24 months, 100% new oak
- Yield: 49 hl/ha
- Size: 750ml
Food Pairings
A wine of this stature deserves the finest table — exceptional with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin en croute, duck confit, aged Comté, and black truffle dishes. Also magnificent on its own as a meditation wine.
Sip Different Red Bordeaux CAN 250ml
SIP offers different wines to suit different occasions or foods Easily transportable wines in cans… Take them wherever you want in Freedom.
“Good wine stays good in a can…”
Sip Different selects wines that are fresh, aromatic and ready to drink, in partnership with winemakers committed to the environment.
These nectars in cans come from environmentally-friendly organic vineyards in regions with an oceanic climate.
Hall Merlot Napa Valley 2019 750ml
Producer Description
Our Napa Valley Merlot opens with lively bright red fruits and a soft, lush texture. Delicate floral aromas combine with ripe blackberry, milk chocolate, wet stone and barrel spice. The finish is bright and spreads out on the palate to reveal mineral notes that support the silky tannin structure.
Deep ruby in color, the 2019 Napa Valley Merlot features a tempting nose with hints of violet, ripe cherry and warm baking spices. The palate is supple in texture with luxurious layers of brambly red fruits, cocoa, and dusty tannins. This classic Napa Valley Merlot finishes long and vibrant with lingering notes of graphite.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot Columbia Valley 2022 750ml
Chateau Ste. Michelle | Merlot | Columbia Valley, Washington State | 2022
Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington State's founding winery and most iconic producer, with a history stretching back to 1934. Based in Woodinville, the winery has been instrumental in establishing the Columbia Valley as one of America's premier wine regions — and their Columbia Valley Merlot is one of the most consistent and best-value expressions of Washington State red wine available anywhere.
The Columbia Valley AVA is one of the largest and most diverse wine regions in the United States, stretching across eastern Washington. Its continental climate — with long, sunny days, cool nights, and low rainfall — allows Merlot to ripen fully while retaining natural acidity and freshness. A touch of Syrah is blended in to add a jammy, fruit-forward character that complements Merlot's natural plushness.
The 2022 offers an almost perfume-like nose of black cherry, sandalwood, worn leather, and spice. On the palate, medium-bodied and supple with sturdy tannins and flavors of boysenberry, blueberry, graphite, and black tea, with layers of rich dark red fruit and a long, smooth, sweet finish. Complex yet approachable — a benchmark Columbia Valley Merlot at an exceptional price.
Pair with roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.
- Producer: Chateau Ste. Michelle
- Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington State, USA
- Blend: Merlot with a touch of Syrah
- Vintage: 2022
- Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward red
- Bottle Size: 750ml
Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022
- Wine Enthusiast — 91 pts: An almost perfume-like aroma of black cherries, sandalwood and worn leather. Medium-bodied with a supple mouthfeel and sturdy tannins. Boysenberries, blueberries, graphite and black tea. — Michael Alberty
Gato Negro Merlot 1.5L Magnum
Gato Negro | Merlot | Valle Central, Chile | 1.5L Magnum
Gato Negro is one of Chile's most beloved everyday wine brands, produced by Viña San Pedro — a winery with roots dating back to 1865 and one of the most established names in South American wine. The iconic Black Cat label has built a global following for delivering consistent, fruit-forward wines at exceptional value.
Valle Central is Chile's heartland wine region, stretching between the Andes and the Coastal Range. The warm, sunny climate and well-drained soils are perfectly suited to Merlot, producing wines that are ripe, generous, and approachable — with the soft tannins and plush fruit that make Chilean Merlot so universally appealing.
Gato Negro Merlot is bright ruby in the glass with an inviting nose of jammy red fruit — cherry, plum, and a hint of chocolate. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and smooth, with soft tannins and a clean, easy finish. No pretension, no fuss — just a crowd-pleasing red that delivers every time.
Now available in a generous 1.5L Magnum — perfect for entertaining, parties, and casual gatherings. Pair with grilled red meats, burgers, pizza, pasta with tomato sauce, and aged cheeses.
- Producer: Gato Negro / Viña San Pedro
- Varietal: Merlot
- Region: Valle Central, Chile
- Style: Medium-bodied red
- Closure: Screwcap
- Format: 1.5L Magnum
Antinori Guado al Tasso Cont'Ugo Bolgheri Rosso 2023 750ml
Tenuta Guado al Tasso is one of the crown jewels of the Antinori portfolio — a 320-hectare estate in the prestigious Bolgheri DOC on the Tuscan coast, set within the distinctive "Bolgheri Amphitheater" of rolling hills and cooled by constant sea breezes from the Tyrrhenian coast. Cont'Ugo is the estate's singular statement on Merlot: a wine produced entirely from this variety as a new interpretation of the Bolgheri territory, sourced from vineyards at 45–60 meters elevation on clay-loam alluvial soils that deliver deep, complex notes while preserving the fragrance and freshness that Merlot does best.
The Antinori Guado al Tasso Cont'Ugo Bolgheri Rosso 2023 750ml is 100% Merlot, sourced from vineyards across the northern, central, and southern zones of the Bolgheri appellation. Deep, inky red in the glass, it opens with an aromatic and inviting bouquet of crushed lavender, plum compote, blackberry, sweet earth, mint, and fresh herbs. On the palate it is full-bodied, supple, and rounded, with velvety tannins, a balanced core of acidity, and pristine, clean fruit that carries seamlessly from entry through the finish. Polished, expressive, and built to drink beautifully from 2026 through 2035.
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023
- Wine Enthusiast — 94 Points: "Peppery and earthy with tart blackberries over damp soil and graphite. Layers of sweet dark berries and dark chocolate create a sleek, acrobatic wine."
- Jeb Dunnuck — 93 Points: "Aromatic and inviting with crushed lavender, plum compote, blackberry, sweet earth, mint, and fresh herbs. Full-bodied, supple, and rounded with velvety tannins. Polished and expressive with good depth and length."
- Wine Spectator — 93 Points: "Rich, inviting and harmonious with black cherry, blackberry, plum, vanilla, toast and earth. Vibrant with dense tannins and an expansive finish. Best from 2026 through 2035."
- Wine Advocate — 92 Points: "Soft, fleshy texture with black cherry and blackberry. Pristine and clean fruit sustaining the wine seamlessly from entry through the finish."
Wine Details
- 100% Merlot — Cont'Ugo single-variety expression
- Bolgheri DOC, Tuscany, Italy — clay-loam alluvial soils, 45–60m elevation
- Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Marchesi Antinori
- Vintage: 2023 | Drink 2026–2035 | 750ml
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Merlot 1.5L Magnum
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Merlot — California NV | 1.5L Magnum
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi has been California's benchmark for approachable, everyday wine since 1979. This Merlot is sourced from the Lodi region, crafted using unique growing techniques and state-of-the-art winemaking to deliver consistent quality at an honest price. The 1.5L Magnum format is made for sharing — generous, crowd-pleasing, and built for the table.
Rich aromas of blackberry, cherry, chocolate, and red berries lead to a palate of ripe plum, toasty mocha oak, and cherry cola. Full-bodied with beautifully integrated tannins, well-balanced acidity, and a soft, versatile finish.
- Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Acampo, CA
- Region: Lodi, California
- Varietal: Merlot
- Style: Full-bodied, soft, fruit-forward California red
- Format: 1.5L Magnum
- Best Paired With: Hearty pasta Bolognese, grilled steak, lamb, pork chops, hamburgers
California Merlot at its most generous — a Magnum built for the table.
Petra Hebo Toscana 2023 750ml
Petra Hebo — Toscana IGT, Maremma 2023
Near the ancient village of Suvereto, on the ferrous hills of the Val di Cornia looking out over the Tyrrhenian Sea, the estate of Petra has carved out one of Tuscany’s most compelling terroirs. Nestled in the spectacular nature of the Maremma — home to the majestic cork oaks that have defined this landscape for centuries — Petra produces wines of genuine coastal character: fresh, mineral, and alive with the energy of the sea. The Hebo is their benchmark Toscana rosso: a Merlot-led blend of 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, and 10% Cabernet Franc, it is soft, round, and beautifully expressive. Vinous awarded the 2023 vintage 90 points, praising its “pretty inner freshness that lingers.”
The color is a bright, luminous ruby red. The nose opens with an herbal-laced bouquet of rose petals, black cherries, violets, blueberries, peonies, and wet stones — with mineral hints and nuances of earthy shrub. On the palate, it is fresh and pleasantly fruity, with gentle, well-tailored tannins, a cascade of citrus-infused red berry fruit, and blue and purple inner florals that linger on a long, spry finish.
Vinous 90 — "Soft and round, with fresh acidity and a cascade of citrus-infused red berry fruit. Long yet gentle and spry — a pretty inner freshness that lingers."
- Producer: Petra, Suvereto, Val di Cornia, Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
- Vintage: 2023
- Appellation: Toscana IGT
- Blend: 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Franc
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Rose petal, black cherry, violet, blueberry, peony, wet stone, mineral, citrus-infused red berry, earthy shrub
- Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, bistecca, wild boar ragù, pasta with meat sauce, aged Pecorino, charcuterie
Coastal Tuscany at its most joyful and precise — Petra’s Hebo is the benchmark for what Maremma can deliver at this price.
Chateau Picard Saint Estephe Cru Bourgeois 2020 750ml
Château Picard — Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois 2020
Situated in the heart of the village of Saint-Estèphe, Château Picard is one of the appellation’s most respected Cru Bourgeois estates — classified as such since 1932. Acquired by the prestigious négociant house Mähler-Besse in 1997, the 8-hectare estate has been meticulously renovated, with gravity-fed harvest entry and Napoleon III-style cellars restored to their former glory.
The terroir is quintessential Saint-Estèphe: clay-dominant soils loaded with calcified cockle and sea urchin remains, delivering wines of structure, depth, and distinctive mineral character. The 2020 vintage — one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated in recent memory — shows deep ruby color with a dark, rich nose of intense berry and Indian spices. Full-bodied on the palate with a solid core of fruit, silky tannins, and a beautifully balanced, polished finish.
- Producer: Château Picard / Mähler-Besse, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
- Vintage: 2020
- Classification: Cru Bourgeois
- Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Dark berry, Indian spices, mineral, silky tannins, polished finish
- Cellar Potential: Drink 2024–2035+
- Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, aged hard cheeses, beef tenderloin
A serious Saint-Estèphe from a landmark Bordeaux vintage — structured, elegant, and built to age gracefully.
Chateau La Grolet Cotes de Bourg 2022 750ml
Winemaker Description
Owned and operated by the highly-acclaimed Château Peybonhomme-Les Tours. This is an entirely biodynamic estate and the winemaking is very low intervention. This bottling is 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet-Franc, and 5% Malbec.
Memo Summary Notes
Château La Grolet 2022 is a standout "natural" Bordeaux from the Côtes de Bourg (located on the Right Bank, across the river from Margaux). Owned by the Hubert family (who also own Château Peybonhomme-Les Tours), this estate is a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, having been certified biodynamic for over 20 years.
Pair with
Classic: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary or a traditional beef stew (Bœuf Bourguignon).
Rustic: Hearty lentil stews, tourtière (meat pie), or roasted root vegetables.
Cheese: Pairs exceptionally well with Comté or aged Cheddar.
Promesse du Chateau Franc-Maillet Pomerol 2016 750ml
Winemaker Description
Dark red with delicately organ-colored edge the color, the nose reminiscent of ripe, dark stone fruit. In the mouth, notes of spices join in. The fellow drinker dreamed a club from the deer with cranberries.
Promesse is the second wine from Chteau Franc Maillet and represents wonderful value. This estate is located very close to the Pomerol plateau and bears all the hallmarks for which the region is celebrated for.
On the nose, it has notes of violets and a touch of truffle and black berries, whilst on the palate it is silky and velvety with a rich long voluptuous finish.
Pair with roast beef, lamb, mushrooms or truffles, for an elegant drinking experience
Grape variety: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet franc
Markham Merlot Six Stack 2023 750ml
Warehouse stored item - please allow two to three business days to fulfill.
We’ve crafted this Merlot to be a crowd-pleaser – the perfect accompaniment to any dish at the table. Dark cherry and rich milk chocolate aromas meld with lush raspberry and satsuma plum flavors on a smooth, velvety finish.
Tentua dell'Ornellaia Masseto 2017
Winemaker's Notes: Masseto 2017 manages to encapsulate all the ripeness and concentration of a particularly sunny and dry vintage. The color is almost black, the nose reveals a rich and ripe expression of concentrated black fruit, with hints of spices and liquorice. On the palate the wine manages to combine great intensity and ripeness of fruit with a remarkable sense of balance and freshness. The tannins are densely knit, the texture velvety, the finish shows lingering fruitiness and a vibrant acidity giving a final touch of freshness. Although it comes from one of the warmest vintages, 2017 can be considered a very typical Masseto in its unmistakeable combination of richness and elegance.
James Suckling - 98 Points: The clarity of the ripe blackcurrants, black cherries and flowers in the nose is entrancing. Lavender, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins that run long and straight through the wine, providing brightness and focus. Goes on for minutes. Strength with finesse Drink after 2024, but already wonderful to taste.
Decanter Magazine - 97 Points: This is luscious, think Le Pin rather than Petrus if you are comparing to a Pomerol. The layers of spice are clear and distinct, from pepper to saffron to cloves, extremely rich but with an upward swing of acidity that keeps it gripped on to its base, and delivers the power and seduction of Masseto. An excellent vintage taking the extreme drought of the summer in its stride, proof of the exceptional location of this property. There are plenty of finely tuned tannins, but you have to wait until you are halfway through the palate before they start to build in intensity, so well brushed and supple they are at first. One to savour, for sure. 100% new oak. 24 months in barrel then another 12 months in bottle before being released from the estate.
The Wine Advocate - 97 Points: The Masseto 2017 Masseto puts on another exhilarating, knock-out performance for the third year in a row. The Masseto vineyard is a triangular-shaped plot tucked in at the back of the same property that houses the Ornellaia vineyards and winery. This special site is located at the base of the mountains that rise gently from the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the picturesque silhouette of the Castiglioncello castle at the top. The vines are planted at an altitude of 80 to 100 meters above sea level in blue clay soils that are unique to Bolgheri. That ideal position opens the vineyards to soft breezes, proximity to the sea, long daylight hours and cool diurnal shifts from the protective wall of low mountains at the back. It's a little garden of Merlot Eden. The center of the vineyard now is home to the new Masseto winery and an adjacent tasting room built into a pre-existing farmhouse. This wine was made in the old winery (the existing Ornellaia winery). Fermentation kicks off in a combination of steel and oak tanks before the wine is racked over to barrique, where it rests for two years. The wine then goes into bottle for 12 months before its release. Like most vintages of Masseto tasted this early in the game, the oak is omnipresent, and it grounds the wine in terms of texture and structure. It is powerful, but that's always the case with Masseto (this vintage records a 15.5% alcohol content). I tasted this wine next to the decidedly more playful Massetino, and the Masseto moves over the palate with substantial fruit weight and concentration gained over the course of this hot and dry growing season (which produced smaller, richer and more compact berries). Perhaps, what this vintage lacks is that profound varietal character that we saw in recent vintages like 2016 and 2015. If concerned that the hot vintage would draw out too many ripe fruit tones, the oak serves to soften some of the more volatile components of the fruit. Those distinctive notes of macchia mediterranea (wild bush) that I always associate with Masseto are less present in this vintage. You feel the oak tannins on the finish with toast and vanilla that will certainly shed as the wine ages. In fact, I went back to taste the wine 12 hours later, and they had already softened considerably.
Jeb Dunnuck - 96 Points: The 2017 Masseto is another stunning wine from this benchmark estate, and along with Petrus, they fashion one of the greatest expressions of Merlot out there. The 2017 reveals a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a captivating bouquet of ripe black cherries, currants, dried herbs, leather, spicy oak, and tobacco, with even a touch of forest floor coming through with time in the glass. Concentrated, medium to full-bodied, and structured on the palate, it has loads of minerality, a seamless texture, ripe (yet certainly present) tannins, and a great finish. While it shows the sunny style of the vintage aromatically, it's tight and backward on the palate and in need of 4-5 years of bottle age. It's going to keep for 30-40 years.
Wine Spectator - 95 Points: There's a meaty character to this intense, polished red, adding a seriousness to the dark plum, blackberry, iron, vanilla and chocolate flavors. A beam of bright acidity keeps this focused and drives the fruit- and spice-filled finish. Merlot. Best from 2022 through 2042.
CK Mondavi Merlot 750ml
Winemaker Description
This affordable Merlot is medium-bodied with a hint of oak and flavors of cherries and plums. It is rich in the mouth and ends in a soft fruit filled finish!
Chateau Gaby Canon-Fronsac 2010 750ml
Expert Reviews
Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This wine is now mature, showing richness while also preserving elegance. Earthy, herbal tones are laced through the wine’s juicy fruit texture. Enjoy now for best enjoyment.
Wine Spectator 90-93 Points | Still very primal, but enticing, with sappy raspberry, sweet spice, melted licorice and linzer torte notes that have yet to stretch out fully. There's racy acidity as well, so this should knit nicely.