Merlot

**Merlot** is a red grape from Bordeaux, one of the world's most planted varieties, valued for its softness, generosity and its role as a blending partner to Cabernet Sauvignon. **In the glass** — medium to deep ruby, with aromas of plum, black cherry, chocolate and herbs; the palate is plush and round, with softer tannin, medium acidity and a supple, medium to full body. **Where it grows** — it dominates Bordeaux's Right Bank in Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, where it can reach remarkable heights, and is widely grown in California, Italy, Chile and Washington State; cooler sites lean toward structure and savoury notes while warmer ones give riper, fleshier fruit. **At the table** — versatile with roast pork, poultry and mushroom dishes. **Cellaring** — approachable young, yet the finest Right Bank bottlings age beautifully for many years.

Wines

• 2016 — Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere
• 5 Finques Reserva — Perelada
• Affresco — Poliziano
• Alchemy — Canobolas-Smith
• Alma Mater — Familia Schroeder
• Ameri — Podere San Cristoforo
• Ancestor Estate Reserve — Halter Ranch
• Antico Feudo Toscana IGT — Barone Ricasoli
• Antinori Chianti Classico Villa Antinori Riserva — Tuscany
• Antinori Villa Antinori Toscana IGT — Tuscany
• Aria di Caiarossa — Caiarossa
• Awatea Cabernets - Merlot — Te Mata
• Awatea Merlot/Cabernet — Te Mata Estate
• Bergerac Rouge — Mayne de Beauregard
• Bergerac Rouge — Château de la Jaubertie
• Bergerac Rouge Cuvée Prestige — Château des Eyssards
• Black Print — Markus Schneider
• Blason de l'Evangile — Chateau l'Evangile
• Blend — La Gran Revancha
• Bocale Montefalco Rosso — Umbria