Top Merlot Brands to Sip and Savor

When it comes to selecting the best Merlot, wine enthusiasts often find themselves spoilt for choice given the plethora of reputable brands available. Merlot is a favorite for many due to its smooth texture and rich flavors, making it a versatile wine for various occasions. Esteemed brands have mastered the art of crafting Merlot with remarkable consistency, each offering distinct notes that cater to both seasoned connoisseurs and new wine lovers alike. If you're looking to explore some of the top options in the world of Merlot, you'll find an insightful list below.

Illustration of merlot

Best brands of merlot in 2025

Duckhorn Vineyards

Duckhorn Vineyards is renowned as one of the premier producers of Merlot, with a legacy spanning over 40 years since its founding in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn. The winery is celebrated for its inaugural 1978 Napa Valley Merlot, which marked a significant shift in recognizing Merlot as a standalone varietal. Their 2014 Merlot from the Three Palms Vineyard was named Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year in 2017, earning a 95-point rating. The 2021 Merlot has received a 97-point score from James Suckling, highlighting its polished character and velvety tannins. With an annual production of 175,000 cases, Duckhorn continues to set standards for Merlot excellence. Explore more about their award-winning wines on the Duckhorn Vineyards website.

Stags' Leap Winery

Stags' Leap Winery, although more renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, also produces exceptional Merlot wines that showcase the district's terroir. The winery, established in 1893, is located in the heart of the Stags Leap District and continues a proud winemaking heritage. While Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the plantings, Merlot is also a significant component, often blended with other varieties to enhance the wine's complexity. For example, Cliff Lede Vineyards, another notable winery in the district, produces wines that include Merlot, such as the 2021 High Fidelity Red Wine, which is 27% Merlot. The district's wines are known for their balance of richness and elegance.

Shafer Vineyards

Shafer Vineyards is renowned for producing some of the world's best Merlots, particularly with their TD-9 blend, which combines 56% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Malbec, creating a complex and structured wine. This blend, introduced in 2015, is aged 100% in 60-gallon French oak barrels and has received high accolades for its plummy flavors and deep color. Shafer's winemaker, Elias Fernandez, emphasizes the importance of blending to enhance the qualities of Merlot. The vineyard's commitment to quality is evident in their consistent production of highly-rated wines, such as the 2012 Shafer Merlot, which scored 91 points from Natalie MacLean. Shafer Vineyards continues to innovate and maintain its reputation as a top producer of Merlot-based wines. For more on their exceptional offerings, visit their official website.

Rutherford Hill Winery

Rutherford Hill Winery, established in 1972, is a pioneering producer of Merlot in Napa Valley, recognized for its rich and intense wines. The winery, overlooking the prestigious Rutherford bench, has been a leader in California Merlot production, with Merlot comprising a large portion of their output. The 2014 vintage of their Merlot won Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Silver at the TEXSOM. With an average price of EUR28 per 750ml bottle, their Merlot is highly regarded by critics and users alike. The winery is now owned by the Terlato family, who have continued the legacy of excellence since acquiring it in 1996. For more details about their heritage and wine collection, visit their official website.

Cakebread Cellars

Cakebread Cellars is renowned as one of the top producers of Merlot in Napa Valley, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread. The winery's Merlot, primarily sourced from their Suscol Springs vineyard (87%) and Cakebread Winery Ranch vineyard (13%), is aged for 17 months in 55% new French Oak, resulting in a rich and intense wine with deep blackberry and black cherry flavors. The 2013 Merlot, for instance, is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing nice bluish/plum color and excellent concentration. Cakebread's commitment to quality and sustainable winemaking practices has earned their Merlot high ratings, including 88 points from The Wine Advocate. With extensive estate vineyard holdings of over 1,617 acres, Cakebread Cellars ensures total control over the quality of their fruit. For more details about their Merlot wines, visit Cakebread Cellars Merlot.

Columbia Crest

Columbia Crest is renowned for its exceptional Merlot productions, particularly under its Grand Estates label, which is part of the winery's third tier in their general portfolio. The Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot, sourced from the Columbia Valley, including the Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope, is praised for its bold and structured style, with an average price of $11 per 750ml bottle. This wine has garnered high ratings, including 89/100 from Wine Enthusiast for the 2018 vintage, and has won several awards such as gold medals at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and the San Francisco International Wine Competition. The blend typically includes Merlot, with smaller percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and is known for its velvety feel and flavors of raspberry and chocolate. Established in 1983, Columbia Crest is one of the largest wineries in Washington state and is part of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

Silverado Vineyards

Silverado Vineyards is renowned as one of the best producers of Merlot, particularly with its Mt. George Vineyard Merlot, which won the category 'Best Wine of the United States' at the 2022 London Wine Competition with 93 points. This 2018 Merlot is well-balanced, featuring a silky, smooth texture and flavors of juicy bright red fruits, along with aromas of savory herbs and well-integrated oak notes. The wine is bottled at 14.7% alcohol and is part of the winery's estate-grown and produced portfolio. Silverado Vineyards, located in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, has been crafting luxury wines for over 40 years. The winery's commitment to quality and consistency has earned it numerous awards, including gold medals at several prestigious competitions. Discover more about Silverado Vineyards on their official website.

Markham Vineyards

Markham Vineyards is a renowned producer of Merlot, celebrating over 40 years of winemaking excellence in Napa Valley since its first vintage in 1980. The winery, one of the first four producers of Merlot in Napa Valley, has seen a resurgence in Merlot's popularity, with 45% of surveyed consumers more inclined to try Merlot due to its current renaissance. Markham's Merlots are highly acclaimed, such as the 2018 Napa Valley Merlot, which earned a 91-point score from Wine Spectator. The winery's portfolio includes a tiered approach with the Napa Valley Series, District Series, Marked Parcels, and the iconic Bordeaux-style blend, The Character. Markham is also committed to sustainability, with dual certifications in Napa Green Land & Winery and innovative farming practices. For more information, visit their website at Markham Vineyards.

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Chateau Ste. Michelle is renowned as one of the best producers of Merlot, particularly from the Columbia Valley in Washington State. The 2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot, with an alcohol content of 13.5% ABV, is praised for its complex yet approachable nature, featuring aromas of black cherry, leather, and spice, and a long, smooth finish. This wine benefits from a touch of Syrah, adding a jammy fruit character. The winery's commitment to quality and its favorable 2019 growing season contributed to the exceptional flavor profile of this Merlot. With 22 "Winery of the Year" honors and numerous other accolades, Chateau Ste. Michelle solidifies its position as a leader in the wine industry. For a detailed review, visit the Witty Wine Critic's Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot page.

Franciscan Estate

Franciscan Estate is renowned for its exceptional Merlot productions, particularly evident in their Reserve Merlot Napa Valley 2013, which is composed of 93% Merlot, 6% Syrah, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 20 months in 20% new oak barrels, and scored an impressive 92 points. This full-bodied Merlot offers opulent fruit flavors, structured with vanilla and roasted coffee notes, and is praised for its balance and potential for bottle age. The winery, founded in 1972, has built a reputation for consistency and quality without escalating costs. Franciscan Estate's Merlot is often highlighted as a top value in Napa Valley, offering rich and intense flavors at an affordable price point. The winery's commitment to history, heritage, and value is reflected in their meticulously crafted wines. Discover more about their Merlot selection by visiting their page on Wine-Searcher.