One of the most well known international red grape varieties, ever fluctuating in popularity, Merlot is not to be underestimated.
It’s characterised by red fruits such as ripe plums, gentle spices, soft tannins and rounded, plush texture, expressing notes of mocha or chocolate with oak influence. The best examples have great ageing potential.
Merlot can produce noteworthy varietal wines and is a great blending partner. It’s a key variety in Bordeaux blends, working well with varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, but it’s soft, approachable character adds to blends with varieties far beyond the classics.
Finding its home in Bordeaux where it grows best on the Right Bank, Merlot has the capability of delivering wines with lovely expressions from around the world.
Scroll down to explore 15 top-scoring Merlots from DWWA 2024
Outside of France, it is famously grown in Italy, California and Chile where it can produce fruity, easy-drinking expressions, but when grown in higher altitudes or with attentive vine management, for example, more structured examples are to be found.
Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2024 saw a number of top-scoring Merlot-based wines awarded, including a Best in Show (97 points) from Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, for Château La Dominique, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2019. The judges described the wine as a splendid example of the pleasures that the Right Bank’s most extensive appellation can bring. Blended with just 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s an outstanding example of the quality wines Merlot can produce. Château La Dominique also received a Platinum medal for its 2018 vintage
Another 97 points was awarded to Château Greysac 2021 from Bordeaux’s Médoc, which received a Platinum medal for its captivating array of blackcurrant, plum and black cherry fruit furnished with pencil shavings and graphite mineral notes.
Beyond France, top quality expressions of Merlot were rated by the experts from Italy and South Africa to less discovered wine regions such as Bulgaria and Slovenia.
To celebrate International Merlot Day, we highlight 15 top scoring Merlot and Merlot-dominant wines that are worth exploring. Search all winners from DWWA 2024 at awards.decanter.com
International Merlot Day: 15 award-winning wines to try
Bulgaria
Edoardo Miroglio Winery, Soli Invicto, Thracian Valley, Southern Region – Thracian Lowland 2019
Gold, 95 points
A powerhouse of spicy dark fruit, blue flowers and cocoa which intermingle nicely with lush vanilla oak. Structured and broad with engrossing tannins and attractive, youthful acidity. Alcohol 15%
France
Château La Dominique, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux 2019
Best in Show, 97 points
This is a splendid example of the pleasures that the Right Bank’s most extensive appellation can bring in the very fine 2019 vintage, one that combines depth and ripeness with freshness. And charm. One sniff of this dark, still-opaque black-red wine will have you in its thrall: look out for layers of sumptuous, plump bramble and plum fruits given high-definition focus and a tempered sweetness from the season. The palate is long, expansive and deeply satisfying, perfectly poised on the cusp between the sweet tones of youth and the more sober grandeur that comes with age. The tannins are ample but tender, and the acidity almost contrives to suggest (in combination with that fruit and those tannins) the acidity you will find in fine dark chocolate. Assured winemaking with what are clearly outstanding raw materials from a propitious site. Alc 15%
Château Greysac, Médoc, Bordeaux 2021
Platinum, 97 points
A captivating array of blackcurrant, plum and black cherry fruit furnished with pencil shavings and graphite mineral notes. Supremely concentrated with well-defined, elegant tannins and an elevated acidity. An incredible result in a difficult vintage. Alc 13.5%
Château La Dominique, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux 2018
Platinum, 97 points
High-toned and hedonistic displaying multitudes of arresting blackcurrant, prune and fig aroma with a beguiling minty floral lift. Sensuous and velvety, framed by verdant tannins which entwine with the sleek acidity. This will run and run. Alc 14%
Château De Pressac, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux 2020
Gold, 95 points
Finely composed plum, mulberry and cassis fruits invite and intrigue with a brooding saline, tapenade complexity which intertwines and blends perfectly. Teeming with deft charm and elegance. Alc 14.5%
Château Lamothe-Vincent, Reserve Merlot-Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux 2022
Value Gold, 95 points
An alluring splendour of smoky oak and lip-smacking blackberry pie which nicely entangles with the swaddling tannins, polished acidity and impeccably smooth texture. Long and delicious. Alc 14.5%
Caves De Rauzan, L’agassant, Bordeaux 2022
Gold, 95 points
Brooding and muscular with striking ripe red and black fruit and a smattering of elegant oak. Extremely well-constructed and harmonious with a lasting savoury undercurrent. Alc 13%
Château Claud-Bellevue, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux 2020
Gold, 95 points
Deep and searching, brimming with youthful exuberance. Earthy cherry blossom and black tea aromatics meet plum preserve and cherry fruit as spiced oak tannins prevail. Alc 14.5%
Château Landon, Médoc, Bordeaux 2022
Value Gold, 95 points
Brooding blackcurrant, black cherry and cassis combine beautifully with fine tobacco and cedar notes. Persistent and concentrated with satin tannins and supporting acidity. Long and finessed. Alc 14.5%
Vignobles Luc Schweitzer, Château Bourdieu, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux 2023
Gold, 95 points
An understated bouquet of plush cassis, blueberry and fragrant black tea which soars towards the creamy, textured palate, embracing tannins and appetising acidity. Long and tenacious. Alc 14%
Italy
Azienda Santa Barbara, Mossone, Marche, Le Marche 2020
Gold, 96 points
An extravaganza of blackcurrant, eucalyptus, fresh florals and herbs which ripple across the sleek, elegant tannins and sumptuous core of spicy oak. Very long and utterly irresistible. Alc 14%
Colline Di Sopra, Sopra Merlot, Costa Toscana, Tuscany 2020
Gold, 95 points
Showing plenty of youthful exuberance with lavish dried herb, ripe blackberry and red cherry notes, well supported by a frame of fine-grained tannins and generously structured oak. Alc 14%
Tenuta Di Trinoro, Rosso Toscana, Tuscany 2021
Gold, 95 points
Fragrant dried herbs, ripe plums and tobacco waft across the nose and flow through the beautifully defined structure and smooth chocolate tannins. Long and mineral. Alc 15.5%
Slovenia
Kristančič, Pavó, Goriška Brda, Primorska 2021
Gold, 95 points
A generosity of damsons and bilberries bathed in an opulent oaky warmth. Stylish and full, with a smooth tannic backbone, decisive acidity and rewarding finish. Alc 14%
South Africa
Morgenster, The Reserve, Stellenbosch 2016
Gold, 95 points
Luxurious swathes of blackcurrant, plum, bramble and nougat flow nimbly across the nose and palate offset by grippy tannins and firm, fresh acidity. Lingering and chocolatey. Alc 14.5%
