Merlot

[mehr-LOH, mer-LOH]
Often called simply Merlot, this red-wine grape is really Merlot Noir. Merlot is one of two primary of Bordeaux France. Much of the wine world views Merlot as simply a grape to be blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, but Merlot can produce great wines like those of Pomerol's Chateau Petrus, one of the world's most expensive red wines. In French the word Merlot means "young blackbird," probably alluding to the grape's beautiful dark-blue color. Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot grapes ripen fairly early and have lower tannins and higher sugar levels. They produce wines that are generally softer and with slightly higher alcohol content. High-quality Merlot wines are medium to dark red in color, rich, and fruity, with characteristics of black currant, cherry, and mint. Merlot wines are rounder and more supple than Cabernet Sauvignons and usually can be enjoyed much earlier. Generally, Merlot wines do not age as long as Cabernet. Notable producers are Duckhorn, Matanzas Creek, Stags Leap, Sequoia Grove, Leonetti, Ballentine and Chateau Petrus

Artesa Napa
Ch. La Gatte La Butte
Ch. La Gatte Tradi
Christian Moueix
Cuvaison
Cycles Gladiator
Domaine de Couron
Dona Paula
Fat Bastard
Foris Organic
Frog's Leap
Le Faux Frog
Lockwood
Matanzas Creek
Mcmanis
Oyster Bay
Rays Station
Shale Ridge
Stags' Leap
Toad Hollow
Vampire
Vampire Rose