Merlot Wine

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia — Toscana IGT 2023

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia is the approachable entry point into the world of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia — one of Tuscany’s most celebrated estates and a cornerstone of the Bolgheri appellation — and the 2023 vintage is its most joyful and expressive release in years. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, raised in used Ornellaia barriques and concrete for around 10 months, this wine captures the estate’s signature elegance and precision in a bottle built for early enjoyment without sacrificing depth or character. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 93 points, calling it “very elegant with a joyful ease.”

The nose is fruity and fresh: candied flowers, crushed raspberries, red apples, dark cherry compote, and a waft of balsamic herbs with fresh stony earth. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied — silky, crunchy, and vibrant, with a bright streak of raspberry coulis brought together by fresh acidity and a breezy, polished finish. Classy, aromatic, and built to drink beautifully from 2025 through 2035.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 • Decanter 91 • Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 90 — “A total delight. Fresh, aromatic and vibrant — Ornellaia’s blend delivers the goods in an affordable package.”

• Producer: Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
• Vinification: Aged ~10 months in used Ornellaia barriques and concrete
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Candied flowers, raspberry, red apple, dark cherry, balsamic herbs, stony earth, silky finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar through 2035
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roasted duck, truffle pizza, aged Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Elegant, vibrant, and unmistakably Ornellaia — Le Volte is the benchmark for what a Super Tuscan entry point can be.

Château Larose Trintaudon — Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois Supérieur 2019

Château Larose Trintaudon is one of the Haut-Médoc’s most celebrated Cru Bourgeois estates — elevated to Cru Bourgeois Supérieur as of the 2018 vintage, a distinction that reflects the consistent quality and ambition of this property. The 2019 vintage, one of Bordeaux’s finest in a generation, is a textbook expression of understated Médoc elegance: structured, fruit-driven, and built to age.

The nose opens with blueberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry, layered with sweet tobacco, moss, and violet edges. On the palate, the wine is fleshy and full-bodied with chewy, polished tannins, cassis, bitter plum, and a savory, mineral-tinged finish that lingers with chalky precision. Give it two to three years and it will reward handsomely.

James Suckling 93 • Decanter 90 • Wine Spectator

• Producer: Château Larose Trintaudon, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2019
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, Haut-Médoc
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blueberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, tobacco, cassis, chalky minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2023–2032+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, aged hard cheeses

A critically acclaimed Haut-Médoc at a Cru Bourgeois price — one of the best value Bordeaux reds in the cellar.

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.

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

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 — 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.

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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points: "Succulent, fruit-forward Médoc with fresh character and light tannins typical of this vintage." (Vintage 2020). 

Château Amour 2020 is a beautifully balanced Left Bank Bordeaux from the Médoc Cru Bourgeois appellation — approachable now, yet structured for short-term cellaring.

Tasting Notes Deep ruby with vibrant red reflections

• Nose: Ripe blackcurrant, blackberry & dark cherry with cedar, tobacco and spice
• Palate: Medium-full bodied, smooth tannins, balanced acidity, rich dark fruit with subtle oak and earthy undertones
• Finish: Refined and lingering with pleasant freshness
• Primary Varietals - Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon

Production Details

• Winery: Château Amour
• Region: Bordeaux / Médoc, France
• Classification: AOC Médoc Cru Bourgeois
• Grapes: Predominantly Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
• ABV: ~13.5% | Format: 750ml
  

Rooted in gravelly clay-limestone soils near the Gironde estuary, this wine pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled dishes, and rich cheeses.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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. 

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.

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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.

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 — 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

The Wine Enthusiast by Christina Pickard writes 92 Points | 2020 was a stellar vintage across New York State, despite the challenges of picking in a pandemic year. This charmingly demonstrates Long Island's prowess with Merlot. A fragrant fruit salad perfume of summer berries with subtle purple flower, vanilla and baking spice tucked beneath. It's supple, structured and harmonious, with firm, sappy tannins and a crunch of acidity.  

Winemaker Description

The Grapes of Roth is Winemaker Roman Roth's private label, and a true testament to his classic, yet adventerous, wine-making style. Wonderful dark cherry fruit with well integrated oak, classic graphite and great minerality is complimented by a very savory and elegant finish.

Dark red brick in color. Elegant aromas of cassis and fine toasted sandalwood fill the glass. The mouth-feel is rich and concentrated, yet balanced with wonderful fruit of plumbs, prunes and amazing minerality. The finish has layers of ripe tannins and nicely toasted oak with fine classic earthiness, leather and iodine notes. The fruit and alcohol provide great length and make this a very special Merlot that possesses great aging potential and is the perfect partner with food.

This is a wine to be aged. It has a huge maturation curve ahead and will gain many more nuances and facets. Serve just at room temperature. Pair this Merlot with dishes you might think of for big, bold wines: steak, cassoulet, duck and decadent dark chocolate desserts. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2020 Wölffer Estate "The Grapes of Roth" Merlot is widely considered a benchmark for Long Island winemaking. It is the personal label of Wölffer’s longtime winemaker, Roman Roth, who uses it to showcase a more robust, "Right Bank" Bordeaux style that proves Merlot can be both powerful and sophisticated.

The 2020 vintage was particularly stellar for New York, recently earning the #100 spot on the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of 2025.

Château Mondot Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2021

Perched atop a singular hill overlooking the ancient village of Saint-Émilion, Château Mondot has stood as an understated beacon of exceptional terroir since its creation in 1700. The estate — the second wine of the legendary Château Troplong Mondot — occupies a position like no other in the appellation, its lofty elevation and unique soil profile setting it apart from its neighbors on the limestone plateau.

The secret lies beneath the surface: Mondot's hill is one of the only places in Saint-Émilion where ancient Agenais Molasse clays, formed during the region's geological creation, have survived erosion to great depths, overlying the astéries limestone so characteristic of the appellation. This rare clay-over-limestone profile is the defining signature of Mondot's wines — lending them structure, freshness, and a distinctive mineral tension that sets them apart.

The 2021 Mondot holds a special place in the estate's history: it is the last vintage produced exclusively from Merlot grown on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau — a milestone worth cellaring. Bright and vibrant in character, the wine reflects the cool, precise nature of the 2021 vintage with crystalline energy and elegant restraint.

Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with floral wildflower and crushed flower aromas, followed by red cherry, blackberry, currant, orange peel, cola, mint, and white pepper, with a touch of toasted oak and blue fruit. The palate is refined and focused — not plush or heavy — with pure acidity, a gorgeous tannic structure, and a mouthwatering, saline finish with notes of liquorice and wet stone. Drink from 2027.

Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts
"Floral wildflower aromas. Partial wood aging has produced a wine with light toast and pure acidity. Black-currant flavors are dominant with bright acidity as well as structure. Drink from 2027." (Vintage 2021). 

Decanter — 93 pts
"Beautifully delicate and fragrant — a touch of cola, blue fruits and salt with green pepper and toasted oak. Refined and focussed, crisp and mouthwatering, excellent energy and sense of life with a delicious moreish liquorice, wet stone finish. A serious, well-constructed wine with depth but no heaviness." (Vintage 2021). 

James Suckling — 92 pts
"A vivid and bright red with currant, orange peel and some light spices. Medium body and fine tannins that turn dusty in the finish." (Vintage 2021).

Vinous — 91 pts
"A bright, vibrant wine. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white pepper abound. A wine of crystalline energy and tension — super-impressive." (Vintage 2021).

Wine Advocate — 90 pts
"Charming and expressive, bursting with aromas of blackberries, plums, orange zest and spices. Medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety, seamless and suave, with succulent acids and a mouthwateringly saline finish. The last rendition of Mondot produced exclusively from Merlot growing on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau." (Vintage 2021).

Varietal: 100% Merlot (final vintage)
Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2021
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 WE | 93 Decanter | 92 JS | 91 Vinous | 90 WA