what is the best merlot I can buy?

Question

I have never drank merlot, and want to know which is the best. You can also tell me which is the worst. Thank you!

Answer 1

Merlot is a type of Cabernet? lol. Nope, it's a completely different and separate grape. rofl.

Merlot is a great way to be introduced to wines, but unless you have experience with wines, I wouldn't recommend spending more than $25 on a bottle of Merlot. If you have drank alot of wine, then investing in a nice French traditional style Merlot could be a great option, as would a winery called Twomey. But, these do not come cheap and if you've never had a Merlot, then there's no reason to waste money on a pricey one.

If you want a simple, middle of the road tasty Merlot, there are tons of them out there. Most Merlots are currently less complex than cabs and are easier on a beginner's palate. I always recommend Merlots to people who want to start into red wine but don't want to spend a ton of money at first. A nice Chilean one could be a fabulous choice that won't break the bank. Concha y Toro and Vina Montes are fairly available and good quality. Both are around or under $20.

Answer 2

Merlot is really a type of Cabernet. There are many labels out there, so I am not sure what would be available in your area, but as a guide, if it costs less than $5 don't waste your time or money. $6-$9 would be an ok Merlot. Best bet would $11 to $12 dollar range. Anything over $15 is going take some getting used to.

Answer 3

[OOPS! I wrote this after supahtfor's Answer was posted but before those of Acceptanc and wine&food]

Unlike all of the prior Answerers I will actually answer your Question!!!!

The greatest merlot in the world is generally considered to be Chateau Petrus, from the Pomerol area of France.

By the way, Professor Lubehead names himself accurately: in fact cabernet sauvignon and merlot are two completely different varieties of [vinifera] grapes.

As for kate's recommendation of Trader Joe's 2 buck Chuck (their Charles Shaw private brand), I would advise that for the money you should spend an extra dollar for TJ's 3 buck Moe (their J.W. Morris private brand) - it is 3 or 4 times as good, although still characteristicly typical for a lower-priced (which I - and the wine critics of the "Wall Street Journal", who are not favorably disposed toward the stuff, though I think they are too severe, define as $ 15-20US) California merlot.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
what is the best merlot I can buy?
I have never drank merlot, and want to know which is the best. You can also tell me which is the worst. Thank you!

Answer 5

I personally wouldn't spend a lot on a merlot if you have not had it before.

My friend loves merlot, it is the only thing she drinks. She buys Yellowtail (chep and not too bad) for her house since she is a student and broke lol.

It's not a bad starter though.

Answer 6

Merlot is the primary grape in Chateau Petrus, but at about a 1,000 a bottle is out of most people's budget! Anyway, that is probably the best.

Answer 7

It all depends on how you like your wine. Dry, fruity? For the novice I would just get your mouth wet with different types of Merlot. Whether it be Charles Shaw or my Favorite Duckhorn. You should also go to BevMo and just all the employees there. They should be able to help you pick a wine to your taste.

Answer 8

None! Buy some cabernet or syrah (shiraz) instead.

If you must have merlot, get something from bordeaux where it is blended with cabernet.

Answer 9

2 buck chucks at TJs (Trader Joes), 3 bucks outside California . . . unless someone raised prices

Answer 10

for the money yellow tail