Price: $15.99 Maker: Bonterra Vineyards Varietal: Merlot Region: California

89

This organic wine has a bright purple hue with a scent of blackberry jam. On the palette, this wine is full of dark fruit; flavors of cherry, boysenberry and plum wrap around the tongue and have a soft finish. This wine will pair well with multiple dishes and will be a hit with a wide audience. -VFE

Price: $20.00 Maker: Wild Horse Varietal: Merlot Region: California

88

This is a deep purple wine that opens up to a full body with flavors of black cherry, plum, and vanilla with a smooth finish.

Price: $10.00 Maker: Tin Roof Varietal: Merlot Region: California

88 90

This is a bold Merlot with deep black cherry, plum and blackberry flavors. The body of the wine is full and smooth with a long finish that will pair well with grilled steaks, chicken and tomato based pastas. With a retail price of $10 this wine is a steal.

Price: $14.99 Maker: Jekel Varietal: Merlot Region: California

88

This wine has an appealing aroma of cherry and plum welcoming you to taste. The first sip matches the delectable scent with flavors of black cherry and plum that roll over the tongue. It has a smooth, velvety tea flavored finish that makes you want to take another sip. This wine would pair well with a pepper crusted filet or ravioli in a marinara sauce. -JM

Price: $18.99 Maker: Francis Coppola Varietal: Merlot Region: California

88

This wine has a rich plum color, opening to a mature fruity smell. As you take the first sip the velvety texture wraps your tongue in cherry and plum flavors with a hint of chocolate. It is decadent and pairs well with a peppered steak or duck. This is a great find for under $20 a bottle.

Price: $17.99 Maker: Chateau Ste Michelle Varietal: Merlot Region: Washington

87

Elegant and a nicely balanced, the Indian Well Merlot is a serious wine with ripe berry and rich oak flavors tied to a firm spicy texture will make a wine lover out of almost anyone.

Simple yet sophisticated this Merlot will delight any steak or red pasta dish and is best served with friends. -JD

Price: $18.00 Maker: Kendall Jackson Varietal: Merlot Region: California

86

Subtle coffee and cherry aromas invite you to sip this very drinkable wine. The cherry and mocha flavors tantalize your taste buds and linger to a balanced finish. Tannins are smooth and delightful. This makes a bold, delicious addition to grilled steak.- JM

Price: $10.99 Maker: Beringer Varietal: Merlot Region: California

85

This Beringer Merlot is straight forward with flavors of blackberries and cherry. It is a medium body wine with a finish that could be longer.

Price: $15.00 Maker: J. Lohr Varietal: Merlot Region: California

85

The nose is dominated with aromas of dark fruits with a hint of toasted oak. This is a medium body wine with flavors of black cherry, blueberry and a vein of raspberry.

Price: $12.99 Maker: Columbia Crest Varietal: Merlot Region: Washington

85

This deep garnet merlot its rich velvet touch provides a well balance of fresh dark fruit, oak and a hint of leather that creates a smooth and easy finish.

For a memory that would last, try the Grand Estate Merlot with a piece of dark rich chocolate and a small marshmallow to make your tongue dance and your toes curl in delight.

Bottled nicely between $10 & $14 the Grand Estates Merlot makes a fantastic table wine for any occasion.