Aug 8th 2025
Merlot’s Comeback Story: Silky, Fruit-Forward & Ready for Your Table
At one time, Merlot used to be the hero of most of the meals in the 80s and 90s. Then the film Sideways mocked it and nearly edged Merlot off the stage. In 2025, Merlot is coming back. Merlot is getting renewed attention from wine producers in Bordeaux, Washington, and Napa.
They are emphasizing subtlety, flaunting the terroir in which every vine is planted, and moving back to the fruit-driven, mellow character that initially attracted people to Merlot. This comeback is silent and powerful between silky notes of ripe plum and smooth tannins.
Merlot no longer plays second fiddle in a Bordeaux blend, but it is now taking centre stage. In this article, we will trace the journey of Merlot, Merlot taste notes, compare it to the Cabernet, and provide the best Merlot food pairing ideas, along with our personal top choices at Woodland Wine that you can have in your glass next.
Merlot Taste Notes: What to Expect
Merlot usually tastes ripe and plush, with an aura of smoothness caressing the palate. Plum, black cherry, and raspberry constitute the main flavors, all picked with a notion that the fruit should not be cooked down into jam. Gentle hints of vanilla, chocolate, or mocha can be assimilated depending on the amount of oak influence in the wine. A more pronounced herbal tone enters into the mix if that were a cooler-climate Bordeaux or Washington wine-maybe cedar, maybe sage.
Merlot can be rather elegant and restrained in cool climates, with red berry fruit and herb, medium acidity, and a slimmer profile. At warmer regions such as some parts of California or Washington, they are fruitier and riper- black plum and blueberry are stronger, and there is creamy vanilla and more delicate tannins.
The texture also counts. Merlot has a medium body, soft tannins, and a smooth texture of a velvety kind. It has a round feel in the middle of the palate, which is not as grippy as high-tannin reds, making it ideal to drink just to relax and as a companion to a meal. It will be easy to drink, non-intimidating, and complex, just what a novice and a wine lover would love.
Merlot vs. Cabernet: Know the Difference
When comparing Merlot and Cabernet, the differences in texture are the most significant ones. The Merlot is silky, round in tannins, and its mouth-feel is soft; therefore, it is not difficult to drink it today. Cabernet Sauvignon is more tannic, more structured, and more appropriate to aging and daring foods.
When aged in oak, merlot tends to exhibit plum, cherry, raspberry, and occasionally chocolate or mocha. Cabernet tips towards the darker side, blackcurrant, blackberry, graphite, cedar, and sometimes green pepper in the cooler climate versions.
Merlot can do well as a varietal wine, as well as a blend, particularly on the Right Bank in Bordeaux, and can be aged in oak to add complexity. The Cabernet is normally aged more in oak and is more structured. Merlot is more readily accessible, and Cabernet can age and become gentle over decades. In blends, Cabernet gives a structure, and Merlot offers creaminess and fruit.
WHWC Picks for a Modern Merlot Moment
At the Woodland Wine Company, we believe that it is time for Merlot. And our carefully selected wines demonstrate why:
Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley 2014
Soft and elegant, teaming up with layers of ripened dark fruits, polished tannins, and oak spice-true Napa Merlot in its classical sense.
Cap de Faugères Côtes de Castillon 2018
Right Bank Bordeaux jewel, smooth and sexy in texture with loads of red berries, cedar, and complexities.
Leonetti Merlot Walla Walla Valley 2022
Bright, fruit-driven character, balanced structure, and Old World finesse with New World expression.
These wines represent many terroirs and styles, yet they identify with the velvety and fruity character that Merlot is very good at.
Leonetti Merlot Walla Walla Valley 2022
Merlot from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington ;
Merlot at a Glance
|
Flavors |
Plum, black cherry, raspberry, chocolate, herbs |
|
Texture |
Medium body, silky tannins, round finish |
|
Food Pairings |
Chicken, lamb, pasta, mushrooms, polenta, grilled veggies |
|
Regions to Try |
Napa Valley, Bordeaux Right Bank, Columbia Valley |
|
Drink Now or Age |
Drink within 3–5 years for most; top-tier bottles can age 7–10+ years |
Merlot FAQs
What kind of taste does Merlot have?
Merlot tastes of plum, cherry, raspberry, and sometimes chocolate or vanilla from oak. It's smooth, fruit-forward, and medium-bodied, with soft tannins.
Is it sweet or dry?
Merlot is technically classified as a dry red, but the ripe fruit flavors give it an impression of sweetness-specially in those produced in warmer climates.
What is the main difference between Merlot and Cabernet?
Merlot is softer with fewer tannins and more fruit-centered. Cabernet is darker, more structured, and more tannic, with blackberry and cedar notes.
With what kind of food does Merlot taste good?
It goes well with roasted chicken, lamb, mushroom dishes, tomato-based pasta, and roasted vegetables, particularly if balanced with Mediterranean herbs or tomato-savory sauce.
Is Merlot beginner-friendly?
Definitely. Merlot's silky feeling and fruit-forward nature make it one of the most approachable red wines for newcomers to wine.
Ready for Your Next Merlot?
Merlot is back in fashion. This grape is praised rightfully because of its smooth texture, its numerous applications, and the elegant taste of the fruit. Whether you are sipping or sharing it with that comfort food, Merlot now has both depth and warmth. We have selected bottles depicting the greatness of Merlot globally at Woodland Wine.
Take one of them tonight and drink in honor of its renewal.
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