Josh Cellars Merlot
Merlot · California
$14.99
Showing image 1 of 1: Apothic Merlot 750 Ml front bottle
Apothic Wines Merlot
Apothic Wines · California · United States
$10.99
1
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Why it’s a great value
It carries a verified 91-point score from The Tasting Panel at a price under $25. The next step up in the same style, Josh Cellars Merlot, is $14.99.
Taste profile
SweetnessDry → Sweet
BodyLight → Full
Acidity*Soft → Bright
Tannin*Silky → Grippy
Oak*None → Bold
Fruit*Subtle → Intense
* WineDiscounts editorial estimate based on verified tasting notes.
What it tastes like
Ripe black cherry and dark berries with chocolate, vanilla, toasted oak and a soft, plush finish.
You’ll like this if…
Choose this if you like smooth California reds with dark fruit, chocolatey oak and low sharpness.
Why buy it
A familiar, easy-drinking Merlot for shoppers who want a richer red without aggressive tannin.
Best for
Barbecue, burgers, hard cheeses, fruit pie or a relaxed glass after dinner.
Style
Plush, fruit-forward California Merlot with noticeable oak sweetness and a smooth finish.
Drinks like
California red blends, soft Cabernet Sauvignon, ripe New World Merlot
Experience level
Beginner-friendly
Flavor notes
Pairs well with
barbecued meats · hard cheeses · fruit pies · roast duck breast · mushroom risotto
Best occasions
Serving & enjoying
- Serving temperature:
- 60-65°F, or slightly cooler if serving outdoors
- Decanting:
- No decant required; let the first glass breathe for a few minutes if desired.
- Glassware:
- Standard red wine glass
- Drink or cellar:
- Current release intended for near-term enjoyment.
- After opening:
- Recork and refrigerate; best within 2-3 days.
Guidance partly estimated by WineDiscounts from the wine’s style.
About this wine
Apothic Merlot is a rich, smooth California red with dark berry, black cherry, chocolate and toasted-oak notes. Its plush fruit and silky finish make it easy to pour with barbecue, hard cheeses or a casual dinner at home.
Wine details
- Type
- red
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Grapes
- Merlot
- Producer
- Apothic Wines
- Country
- United States
- Region
- California
- Appellation
- California
- Bottle size
- 750 Ml
- ABV
- 13.9%
Details last verified September 25, 2026
Explore
Winemaking details ›
- Winemaker:
- Ash Ricchio / Ashleigh Ricchio is referenced by Apothic as winemaker on Apothic pages.
- Vineyard source:
- California
About the winery · Apothic Wines ›
Apothic Wines is based in Modesto, California and focuses on smooth, flavor-forward wines. The producer separates its lineup into blends and varietal bottlings, with the varietals positioned for dinner-at-home occasions. Apothic describes its style around plush fruit, smooth textures and accessible pairings rather than site-specific vineyard expression.
Critic reviews
91/100The Tasting Panel
“Dark chocolate-cherry, white pepper, purple plum, toasted oak and cinnamon.”
89/100Wine Enthusiast
“Aromas of plum, black currant, dried herbs, baking spice and earth, with rich blackberry, clove, citrus peel and vanilla cream.”
Trade up
$14.99Josh Cellars Merlot
Merlot · California
More Merlot
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Apothic Wines Merlot dry or sweet?
- Apothic Wines Merlot is dry — its sweetness rating is 2 on our 1 (bone dry) to 5 (sweet) scale. It is medium-to-full bodied.
- What does Apothic Wines Merlot taste like?
- Ripe black cherry and dark berries with chocolate, vanilla, toasted oak and a soft, plush finish.
- What food pairs with Apothic Wines Merlot?
- It pairs well with barbecued meats, hard cheeses, fruit pies, roast duck breast and mushroom risotto.
- How should I serve Apothic Wines Merlot?
- Serve at 60-65°F, or slightly cooler if serving outdoors. No decant required; let the first glass breathe for a few minutes if desired. Glass: Standard red wine glass.
- Is Apothic Wines Merlot a good value?
- At $10.99 it carries a verified 91-point score from The Tasting Panel; the review is shown on this page.
- What is the bottle size and alcohol content of Apothic Wines Merlot?
- 750 ml bottle, 13.9% alcohol by volume.