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Alexander Valley Vineyards 2015 Merlot
Winery: Alexander Valley Vineyards
Grape(s): Merlot
Region: Alexander Valley, Ca
Year: 2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 15-20

Review:
A melange of blackberries, plums, black cherries, and earthy aromas rise up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of cherry, plum, and bramble berry with elements of cocoa, earth, and cedar backing them up. Not overly fruity like so many Merlots on the market, fans of drier, more savory reds will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89

Beaulieu Vineyard 2015 Merlot
Winery: Beaulieu Vineyard
Grape(s): Merlot
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Year: 2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 15-20

Review:
Lots of blackberries, plums, and currants interweave among elements of toasty vanilla and mocha on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of cassis, blackberry, and cherry that flow into nuances of coffee, clove, and toasty oak. With inviting fruit and balanced tannins, it's a Merlot to open when serving hamburgers.
Rating: 89

Rodney Strong 2014 Merlot
Winery: Rodney Strong
Grape(s): Merlot
Region: Sonoma County, Ca
Year: 2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 15-20

Review:
A bouquet of cherries, plums, cocoa, and fresh herbs rises up from a glass. Smooth on the palate, flavors of blackberry, cherry, and dark plum emerge alongside allusions of dark chocolate, herbs, and toasty oak. Not a "fruit-bomb" Merlot that's overdone; this bottle offers a nice balance of flavors.
Rating: 89

Markham 2015 Merlot
Winery: Markham
Grape(s): 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 5% Petite Sirah
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Year: 2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price: 15-20

Review:
Plums, blackberries, and cherries come together with notes of mint and toasty vanilla on the nose. Medium-bodied, the wine presents flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and currant that move into whispers of vanilla, cola, and eucalyptus on the palate. Elegant, with nice fruit and a "old-school" minty hint, it's a wine that will pair well with a steak.
Rating: 90