Character & context
Understanding Merlot
Merlot can be approachable and fruit-led or structured enough for long cellaring. It anchors many Right Bank Bordeaux wines and also shines in standalone bottlings elsewhere. Ripeness changes the balance between red fruit, dark plum and herbal detail; oak can add spice and cocoa. A Merlot guide complements the regional Bordeaux guide rather than replacing it.
Further reading: Wine Folly — Merlot
Read related observations