Best Merlot of 2009

For years Merlot was considered as a grape best only blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot has subtlety chiseled out its own character and fame with softer tannins, faster aging process, supple texture and excellent compatibility with a variety of foods. If you are new to drinking red wine or unsure which red wine is the best, merlot is an excellent starting point. There are numerous good wines to fit any financial schedule. In fact, there are many Merlots that have been located for twenty dollars ($20) or less. The only real challenge is to find the best tasting inexpensive bottle of Merlot that tastes like it did cost a fortune. The following list of 2009 Merlots proved themselves to be stars in both price and taste.

The first part of our top 10 selections includes 5 everyday Merlots that are priced $10 or less.

1) Fetzer Merlot Eagle Peak is a very rich and deep cherry colored California Merlot with a distinct flavor of black cherries and plums with a hint caramel. The aroma is pure cherry and some wafts of mocha and toffee. Excellent served with Camembert and Salmon dip. www.fetzer.com

2) Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Merlot has an inviting aroma of plums and spices. Very rich plum flavor with a hint of dryness. This California Wine is excellent with pasta and grilled meats.

3) Napa Ridge Merlot is a surprising California Merlot with a lot of character. Beautiful deep red color with a great plum and cherry aroma. It is great pair with cheeses.

4) Walnut Crest Merlot is a lovely ruby red Merlot from Chile. It is characterized by a nice plum and currant flavor and aroma. This is a dry merlot that pairs most wonderfully with chicken fettuccini Alfredo and much more. www.emilianausa.com

5) Reserve St-Martin Merlot has long finish. This French Merlot is deep purple and very fragrant. The raspberry taste is outstanding. Pairs well with grilled meats and cheeses.

The second part of selection includes 5 Merlots priced between $10 to $20.

6) Beaulieu Merlot - Costal decants red in color with good clarity. The flavors of this California Merlot are cherry and plum and some hints of spice. Aromas are clearly cherry, raspberry and spice. Subtle tannins. Pairs well with grilled meats and salmon.

7) Beringer Merlot is earthy. The flavor and aroma is sweet dark plum, vanilla, spices and hints of mint and black licorice. It has a an elongated finished and pairs very well with sushi, goat cheese and a variety of seafood. www.beringer.com

8) Forest Glen Merlot is soft earthy Sonoma California wine packed with deep, dark berry fruit and nuanced hints of cocoa and spices. It has a velvety texture that is great with hard cheeses and grilled fish.

9) Montes Merlot has a deep purple color. The aromas of this California wine are plum, blueberry spice, and mocha. Medium to full-bodied palate with plum and berry fruit, vanilla flavors. Pairs well with grilled meats.

10) Covey Run Merlot is great dry dark red Washington Merlot with a mild black cherry bouquet with hints of vanilla and caramel. Pairs great with pork tenderloin. www.coveyrun.com