Merlot is having a moment again – not for being fancy or flashy, but for being flat-out good value.
Often seen as Cabernet Sauvignon’s softer sidekick, Merlot is that rare grape that balances plush fruit, gentle tannins, and a touch of spice — all without blowing your budget. And in 2025, Wine-Searcher has done the heavy lifting to uncover the 10 best value Merlots on the market. These aren’t just affordable; they’re seriously good, with critic scores to prove it.
To qualify for the list, each wine must be:
- Available in the U.S.
- Priced under USD 30 (based on the Global Average Retail Price)
- Highly rated by professional critics
Here’s your cheat sheet to the Merlot world’s best-kept secrets — the top performers under USD 30, ranked by score and value.
1. Rodney Strong Merlot 2021 (Sonoma County, USA)
Score: 93 | Price: USD 18
Founded by a professional dancer turned wine pioneer, Rodney Strong Vineyards has long been a Sonoma staple. Their 2021 Merlot is ripe, polished, and complex — the highest-rated bottle on this list and a true steal.
2. Chateau Souverain Merlot 2021 (Alexander Valley, USA)
Score: 92 | Price: USD 11
With roots tracing back to 1944, Chateau Souverain brings history in a glass. This bottle offers dark fruit and silky texture at an astonishing price. Great for weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing pours.
3. Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Merlot 2022 (California/Oregon, USA)
Score: 92 | Price: USD 15
A blend of grapes from California and Oregon, this Coppola creation is as smooth as his film direction. Approachable, elegant, and widely available, it's a bottle you’ll reach for again and again.
4. Frei Brothers Reserve Merlot 2022 (Sonoma County, USA)
Score: 92 | Price: USD 18
Owned by E&J Gallo but with over a century of legacy, Frei Brothers delivers a Merlot with balanced fruit, fine structure, and broad appeal.
5. Peirano Estate Six Clones Merlot 2021 (Lodi, USA)
Score: 92 | Price: USD 18
This wine traces its heritage back to 1881 and showcases six different Merlot clones. Think generous red fruit, fine tannins, and family tradition in every sip.
6. Big Flower Merlot 2021 (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
Score: 92 | Price: USD 23
The only non-American entry on the list, this South African gem from Botanica Wines brings floral notes and Bordeaux-style complexity. A bold, vibrant outlier worth every penny.
7. McManis Family Vineyards Merlot 2022 (Central Valley, USA)
Score: 92 | Price: USD 12
For over 30 years, McManis has championed the idea of "quality wine at an honest price." This bottle proves they’re not just talking the talk.
8. Ferrari-Carano Merlot 2022 (Sonoma County, USA)
Score: 92 | Price: USD 23
Ferrari-Carano is synonymous with Sonoma excellence, and this Merlot shows why. Rich, layered, and beautifully balanced.
9. Oberon Merlot 2022 (Napa Valley, USA)
Score: 92 | Price: USD 27
Napa winemaker Tony Coltrin’s culinary passion shines in this food-friendly Merlot. It’s plush yet structured, ideal for slow-roasted meats and earthy stews.
10. Chelsea Goldschmidt Guidestone Rise Merlot 2022 (Alexander Valley, USA)
Score: 92 | Price: USD 24
A heartfelt tribute from Kiwi winemakers to their daughter, Chelsea. Elegant and refined, this wine brings New World ripeness with Old World restraint.
Final Sip: The Year of the Pit Pony
In 2025, Merlot is proving once again that you don’t have to spend big to drink well. With critic scores of 92+ and prices under USD 30, these wines offer superb value and are ready to drink now. If you’re looking to restock your reds with reliable, accessible, and delicious bottles, look no further than this Merlot list. Saddle up — these pit ponies are ready to ride.
Source: Wine-Searcher