Merlot, a grape that has long been a friend to blends, truly shines on its own as a versatile, food-friendly wine. With plush notes of plum, cherry, and brambly berries, it offers a rich, warming experience ideal for cold winter nights.
Layered with deeper flavors of spice, chocolate, and herbs like bay leaf, Merlot can vary greatly depending on its growing region. In some parts of the world, it presents bright red berry notes, while in others, it takes on a darker, brooding character, with smoky undertones of meat and truffle. Although it's famous for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon (or Sangiovese in Italy), when Merlot stands alone, it delivers wines of immense grandeur and ageability, often rivaling Bordeaux blends in complexity and elegance.
The Top Merlot Wines of 2024 by Wine-Searcher:
| Rank | Wine Name | Score | Average Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petrus | 97 | 4,208 |
| 2 | Masseto Toscana IGT | 96 | 1,028 |
| 3 | Le Pin | 96 | 3,717 |
| 4 | Castello di Ama L'Apparita Toscana IGT | 95 | 222 |
| 5 | San Giusto a Rentennano La Ricolma Merlot Toscana IGT | 95 | 227 |
| 6 | Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT | 95 | 236 |
| 7 | Kapcsándy Family Winery State Lane Roberta's Reserve | 96 | 425 |
| 8 | Le Macchiole Messorio Toscana IGT | 95 | 236 |
| 9 | Miani Buri Colli Orientali del Friuli Merlot | 96 | 258 |
| 10 | Petrolo Galatrona Valdarno di Sopra | 94 | 102 |
Merlot’s Global Heavyweights
It's been a few years since we last reviewed the best Merlots, and three countries continue to dominate this category: France, Italy, and the United States. Leading the pack is the iconic Petrus from Bordeaux’s Right Bank. This prestigious wine, often regarded as the pinnacle of Merlot production, commands an average price of USD 4208, almost double its value from a decade ago when it hovered around USD 2810. Petrus consistently earns rave reviews, boasting an aggregate critic score of 97 points for its timeless notes of blackberry, chocolate, leather, truffle, and spice. Although it remains the world's best Merlot, it’s far from being a budget-friendly choice.
Italy follows closely with Masseto Toscana IGT, produced by the renowned Tenuta dell'Ornellaia. Masseto, one of Italy’s most celebrated Super Tuscans, sits firmly in second place with an average price of USD 1028, also nearly doubling its value over the past decade. Critics consistently praise its complex layers of black cherry, crushed stone, and crumpled petals, along with spicy hints of vanilla and coconut, earning it a 96-point score.
Le Pin, another titan from Bordeaux’s Pomerol, holds third place. Known for its ability to age gracefully, this wine has risen in price from USD 2472 in 2014 to USD 3717 today. With an aggregate score of 96 points, Le Pin delights critics with its rich notes of dark cherry, plum, and cedar, highlighting its saline and earthy qualities.
Italian Gems: Quality and Value
Moving beyond these high-priced icons, we find Italy offering excellent Merlots at more accessible prices. Castello di Ama’s L'Apparita Toscana IGT claims the fourth spot with an average price of USD 222, a relatively modest increase from USD 149 a decade ago. This pure Merlot, first made in 1985, is admired for its tones of cranberry, leather, and camphor, earning it a 95-point score.
In fifth place is San Giusto a Rentennano's La Ricolma Merlot Toscana IGT, known for its Chianti Classico but put on the map by this standout Merlot. Priced at USD 227, it has risen steadily in both price and prestige, climbing from eighth place in the last ranking to fifth this year. The critics praise its prune, balsamic, and mint notes, awarding it an impressive 95 points.
Other Notable Mentions
Continuing the trend of Italian excellence, the Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT ranks sixth with a price of USD 236, barely moving from its USD 232 average price a decade ago. This Super Tuscan remains a great value, boasting rich layers of chocolate-coated berries and an aggregated score of 95 points. In seventh place is the Kapcsándy Family Winery’s State Lane Vineyard Roberta's Reserve from Napa Valley, California, the only American entry on the list. This dark-fruited Merlot, capable of great aging, has increased in price from USD 372 in 2014 to USD 425 today, while maintaining a consistent 96-point rating.
Next up is the Le Macchiole Messorio Toscana IGT, another Super Tuscan known for its berry, smoke, and chocolate notes. Despite its high rating of 95 points, the price remains stable at USD 236, a slight increase from its USD 200 price tag in 2014. In ninth place, Miani’s Buri Colli Orientali del Friuli Merlot from Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region delivers high-quality Merlot with notes of dark fruit and a 96-point score, priced at USD 258.
Rounding out the top ten is Petrolo’s Galatrona Valdarno di Sopra, priced at USD 102, a true steal for its quality. Made from organically grown old vines, this wine delivers dark berry, rose petal, and cigar notes and is highly regarded for its elegance.
Merlot: A Blend of Luxury and Value
While the top three Merlots—Petrus, Masseto, and Le Pin—command eye-watering prices, the remaining entries on this list offer remarkable value for money. Many of the Italian Merlots in particular, priced between USD 222 and USD 258, provide world-class quality at relatively affordable prices.
Whether you’re seeking a luxurious bottle for a special occasion or a more accessible option that still delivers incredible depth and complexity, Merlot continues to prove itself as one of the most versatile and rewarding grape varieties. From the plush, fruit-forward expressions of Tuscany to the age-worthy giants of Pomerol, there’s a Merlot for every palate—and budget.
Source: Wine-Searcher