Merlot is currently the second-most popular red grape variety of California and is as wide-ranging as the state’s many regions and producers. It can range from lower-priced, simple versions all the way to expensive, world-class examples. Merlot is truly red wine people love to love. With supple tannins, rich, red fruits, mouth-coating flavors, and a soft, lengthy finish–it is bound to meet most appetites. While styles vary around the world, in addition to classic structural markers, Merlot typically has aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, violets, mint, and chocolate, as well as vanilla and baking spices, due to common new oak usage.