San Francisco International Wine Competition's Best Merlots Revealed

The San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC) has unveiled the 2024 winners, with five Merlot wines making it to the final rounds. Below are brief descriptions and tasting notes for these standout wines.

Merlot, renowned for its smooth, velvety texture and approachable character, is a popular red grape varietal that invites relaxation and enjoyment. Originating in Bordeaux, France, it is a key component of Bordeaux blends, particularly in the Right Bank regions like Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. In the New World, Merlot is often bottled as a single varietal.

Merlot typically showcases ripe fruit flavors such as black cherry, plum, and raspberry, complemented by chocolate, vanilla, and subtle herbal notes. Oak aging can introduce hints of spice, tobacco, and cedar. With moderate acidity, soft tannins, and a medium to full body, Merlot is smooth and easy to drink. Depending on the region and winemaking approach, it can range from light, fruit-driven styles to more complex, structured expressions.

Merlot’s versatility and smooth profile have made it a global favorite, enjoyed by wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Wakefield Estate Label 2023 Merlot
From Clare Valley, Australia, Wakefield’s Merlot was the top-ranked wine in this competition. The SFIWC described it as:
"Extremely fruity with prominent cherry aromas. The palate features firm, well-ripened tannins with brisk acidity and a mix of red and dark fruits, spice, and well-seasoned oak. The finish is long, smooth, and fruity, with lingering oak notes."

Black Sage Vineyard Merlot, 2021
Located near Oliver in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Black Sage Vineyard is known for its exceptional Merlot. The SFIWC panel described it as:
"Aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, and a hint of mocha. The palate is full-bodied with balanced acidity, showcasing dark fruit flavors, vanilla, and subtle spice. The finish is long and silky with lingering black fruit notes."

V. Sattui Winery 2022 Merlot, Napa Valley
This Napa Valley Merlot was praised for:
"Aromas of black cherry, plum, and cocoa. The palate is rich and smooth, with dark fruit, chocolate, and a touch of spice. The finish is long and velvety with lingering flavors."

Rodney Strong Vineyards 2022 Merlot
A historic Sonoma producer in Healdsburg, California, Rodney Strong’s Merlot impressed the SFIWC panel with:
"Aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, and vanilla. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, with black cherry, mocha, and spice notes. The finish is long, with lingering black cherry and mocha."

Ron Yates 2021 Friesen Vineyards Merlot
From Friesen Vineyards in West Texas, this Merlot was described as:
"Aromas of dark cherry, vanilla, and hints of cedar. Balanced on the palate with flavors of ripe berries, spice, and seasoned oak. The finish is long with lingering cherry notes."

These Merlot wines represent some of the finest examples of the varietal. Many are reasonably priced and pair well with a variety of foods. While California remains the U.S. leader in Merlot production, the rise of wines from Texas to British Columbia offers exciting new options for wine enthusiasts. Explore further with other top wine categories at the San Francisco International Wine Competition website.