Page "Merlot" Paragraph 14

In the early history of California wine, the Merlot was used primarily as a 100 % varietal wine until wine maker Warren Winiarski encouraged taking the grape back to its blending roots with Bordeaux style blends.

In California, Merlot can range from very fruity simple wines ( sometimes referred to by critics as a " red Chardonnay ") to more serious, barrel aged examples.

It can also be used as a primary component in Meritage blends.

While Merlot is grown throughout the state, it is particularly prominent in Napa, Monterey and Sonoma County.

In Napa, examples from Los Carneros, Mount Veeder, Oakville and Rutherford tend to show ripe blackberry and black raspberry notes.

Sonoma Merlots from Alexander Valley, Carneros and Dry Creek Valley tend to show plum, tea leaf and black cherry notes.