Merlot is a dark blue grape that is used for blending with varietal wines and is one of the most popular red wines in the world today. Merlot is one of the main grapes types used in Bordeaux wine and is grown widely all over the globe. In 2004, Merlot was considered as the third most grown grape type in the world, and placed the variety behind Cabernet Sauvignon. Wines with Merlot grapes often have rich and deep plum, currant, and berry fragrances. In 1855, the grape variety was introduced in Italy, and then Merlot was recorded in Switzerland in the 19th century. The grape variety became very popular in the United States in the 1990s. It remains as a popular choice because of the sweet fruit flavors and easy-to-pronounce name. Merlot grapes have a higher sugar content than Cabernet Sauvignon and thrives in cold soil or clay. There are three styles of Merlot, but a White Merlot wine variety, which has a light raspberry aroma, is also available. Merlot is a great companion to grilled meats, and salmon, greens, and scallops or shrimp. Due to the capsaicins in spicy food, the alcohol in Merlot is highlighted, making it bitter to the taste.
Thibeaud-Maillet Pomerol is made from 100 percent Merlot
Deep ruby with black rim. The nose is spicy, with blackberry, cherry, vanilla, chocolate and a delicate oak presence.
The wine is balanced, the tannins are present, but well integrated and round.
The finish is long and pleasant.
Harvest is done manually and the berries are selected with optical sorting before entering the cellar. Fermentations are carried out at controlled temperature with 3 to 4 weeks of skin contact. Once the malolactic fermentation is completed; the wines are put into barrels (50% new) and aged for 12 months. The estate uses three barrels from three different coopers: Vicard (Charentes)supplying most of the barrels with medium toast and a fine grain, Cadius from Burgundy supplies also fine grain/ medium toasts barrels and last but not least Sylvain, a local cooper is used for three barriques a year, those bring a bit more austerity but also a certain backbone to the blend.
Aged in French oak barrels for 15 months (50% new oak).
Delicious with grilled meat and grilled vegetables.
Tours de Laroque Saint Emilion is made from 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc.
Les Tours de Laroque Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is the second wine from Chateau Laroque, a selection of over 50 year-old vines that shows finesse, purity and authenticity of this great terroir.
The wine is particularly attractive and approachable when young with its bright, floral and spicy character. It is elegant and velvety, has a fresh salinity and a noble texture, and offers good acidity with firm tannins.
Review:
"Lots of dark chocolate on the nose with blueberries, ripe blackberries, plums, dried lavender, toast and mahogany. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Needs time to soften. Try in 2025."
- James Suckling (January 2022), 91 pts
A tribute to the family patriarch, Henry Trione, this deep red wine is an artful blend of the five classic Bordeaux varieties: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the base structure and Merlot contributes fruit flavors and velvety texture; the Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot add depth, color and spice. We harvested the fully ripe grapes from select blocks on three Trione ranches in Alexander Valley, just ahead of early rains.
Winemaker Notes:
Aromas of black currants, blackberry pie and warm spices are the wine’s first impressions. On the palate Henry’s Blend is soft and supple, a seamless integration of ripe fruit, French oak and fine-grained tannins. Delicious now, the solid structure and abundant fruit suggest this wine will age well for 6–7 years with proper cellaring.
Review:
"This is a rich and flavorful red with aromas of plums, currants, mocha, cloves and burnt sage. Fleshy and textured, with a full body and polished, broad tannins. Lovely creamy texture, with a long and toasty finish. 35% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 13% petit verdot, 13% cabernet franc and 5% malbec. Drink now or hold."
- James SUCKLING (June 2023), 92 pts
Harmonious Bordeaux-style blend with bold red fruit aromas of black cherry, currant, and blackberries. Balanced with subtle notes of cocoa and spice. Enjoy with soft cheeses, such as brie or goat. Terrific with lamb, aged beef, rustic stews, and mushrooms.
Trump Winery New World Reserve is made from 53% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 7% Malbec.
Awards:
Tasting Notes:
This signature Bordeaux-style blend is complex and round with well-structured tannins and developed flavors of blackberry, cassis, vanilla, and toasted oak. Just released, this wine will develop and evolve in the bottle softening into a seamless wine with aging potential. Enjoy with steak, lamb, and hard, salty cheeses such as gruyère
Redigaffi has an intense color that arouses enthusiasm and satisfy the sight, it highlights great complexity characterized by the fruity attack in the mouth leaving then “room” to tobacco and liquorice notes. Good concentration given by the pre-harvesting activity, three passages and perfect maturation reached by our grapes.
Outstanding complexity. Floral notes typical of our “Macchia Mediterranea” are intense and persistent. The elegance of tannins is enhanced by the great structure and balance. Considerable extraction and good acidity.
Review:
Wow. The aromas are really something else with red fruits, black olives, spices like cardamon and nutmeg, as well as hints of tar and meat. It’s full-bodied yet in check and focus with fine, fine tannins that roll over the palate and create beautiful motion. Chewy yet silky and endless. A great young merlot and one of the best for a number of years.
- James Suckling 99 Points
Vermont La Grande Cuvee Rouge is made from 90% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot.
Produced from the best parcels of the estate, with low yields and optimal maturity, the wine reveals the expression of the Entre-deux-Mers terroir.
The Grande Cuvee boasts a deep ruby color and displays a pleasant bouquet of red berries and plum highlighting the expression of the dominant Merlot. Rich, refined, fruity and deep in structure, the palate shows good concentration and a harmonious balance. Long flavors of ripe fruits and vanilla nuances give way to an elegant cuvee.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
An Earth Mother, with velvet-lined blackberry, Bay leaf, graphite, and roasted coffee bean. Chalky tannins grip the teeth, with a dusty grip. From its backbone and vibrant acidity, to its notes of dried violets on the finish, we bow to its elegant nature.
- The Somm Journal, Apr/May 2025 97 Points
Precise, brilliant and engaging, a three-dimensional wine that shows itself in all its splendor. Notes of black cherries, mixed plums, mixed flowers and bergamot describe the secondary scene. Lemon peel and ginger the secondary one. Full body, perfectly extracted tannins and a vertical finish of infinite presence. Better from 2029.
-WineCritics.com 97 Points
Based on 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Château Lascombes pulls from 40% of the total production and was aged 18 months mostly in barrels (60% new) with a small portion in foudre. This inky hued beauty boasts a rich, concentrated, full-bodied, well-oaked style as well as pure cassis and darker berry fruits, some graphite, scorched earth, and licorice nuances, terrific overall balance, and a great finish.
-Jeb Dunnuck 96+ Points