Top 10 Merlot Under $30

WINE TALK
1

I belong to a wine club and we have about 15 members. We are debating the top 10 merlots under $30. I’m open to your feedback and suggestions.

Thanks!
Jbowers@barrister.com

2

Welcome aboard!

Last week I had a 2005 Seavey Napa Valley for $20 that was very nice.

I think Cap de Faugeres (Bordeaux blend) is mostly merlot and has been a good deal in multiple vintages.Used to be about $10, but I think that price is long by the boards…

3

Would half bottles of Switchback Ridge, Pahlmeyer or Pride count?

Tom
Twitter: @NWTomLee

4

It comes from an industrial size winery, but Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Hills Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot is consistently good, and possesses character.
Waterbrook, Turnbull, Concha Y Toro, Hogue Reserve, Reininger Helix, Seven Hills come to mind.
Washington State is a good place to look, and I’m sure I’m missing a bunch of likely candidates.

P Hickner

5

Chappellet. Ehlers.

6

Washington -

Novelty Hill
Bookwalter
CSM Canoe Ridge, Indian Wells, or Cold Creek
Snoqualmie Reserve
Columbia Crest H3
Tamarack Cellars
Walla Walla Vintners
Three Rivers
L’Ecole
Reininger
Northstar

  • we sell some of these.
7

If you can find it, Mayacamas.

8

Had the 08 Januik Klipsun merlot last weekend that was very good indeed.I also like Ash Hollow.To me Merlot is the best varietal grown in Wash.

9

Duckhorns Decoy…is a nice blend

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

10

A big plus on the Januik Klipsun. I didn’t realize it came in right at $30.

Fielding Hills is excellent, but a shade above the cut-off.


P Hickner

11

Many of the Cameron Hughes… especially the old Havens shiners @ $7 for the 375ml bottles!

12

I am gonna say this real quiet like, ok? Stick with right bank Frenchies if you want good Merlot. Cali does not compare.

13

+1

14

I like seeing the number of WA suggestions - I have found that state is doing a great job in that price point in Merlot.

Seek out Fidelitas - though it needs time - Charlie likes his oak.

15

mike pobega »
I am gonna say this real quiet like, ok? Stick with right bank Frenchies if you want good Merlot. Cali does not compare.

Names?
If blends count, I’ll take Tuscan.

P Hickner

16

For under $30 bottles in Washington a few recent ones I would suggest are:

Fidelitas Merlot Columbia Valley 2009 $25 (needs time as noted above)
Januik Merlot Klipsun Vineyard 2008 $30 (steal of a price for this vineyard)
Januik Merlot Columbia Valley 2007 $25
Stevens Winery Merlot Yakima Valley 2008 $30 (one of the best Merlot producers in the state)
Olsen Estates Merlot Yakima Valley 2009 $20 (winery is gone but may still be around)
Walla Walla Vintners Merlot Columbia Valley $28
Otis Kenyon Merlot Walla Walla Valley 2007 $30 (unusual bottle but very appealing)

Notes on most of these can be found on the blog, with the exception of the first one. I agree that Merlot is a great grape for Washington. A lot more structure and fruit intensity than usually found elsewhere. Many people mistake it for Cabernet. A lot of great bottles north of $30 as well.

17

Wow, that is the old “Black & Blue,” and they are busting that out for $7? Wow.

18

Roy - they didnt last long. IIRC, this board had a jump on the commoners. I recall the 375’s being $7 or $8, 750’s around $15 and Mags around $30. I am still drinking through the 2.5 cases of various Haven’s splits I got for ~$220 delivered. A solid purchase last year.

Back to the thread - I have found good value in many CH wines, even if I don’t know who makes them. No relation, etc.

19

Shinn Estate from Long Island. For slightly more than $30 try the Nine Barrel reserve.

20

I’m with Cris and Frank: Mayacamas

Cheers,
-Robert