Josh Cellars Merlot
Merlot · California
$14.99
Charles Krug Winery Merlot
Charles Krug Winery · California, Napa Valley · United States
$19.99
1
Only 6 left in stock
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Why it’s a great value
It carries a verified 93-point score from James Suckling at a price under $25. If you want to spend less, 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
Plush cherry and plum fruit with cocoa, cedar, gentle spice and a smooth Napa Valley finish.
You’ll like this if…
Choose this if you like Napa Cabernet's polish but want a rounder, softer Merlot profile.
Why buy it
A recognizable Napa estate name with polished fruit, reliable structure and strong food versatility at a moderate Napa price.
Best for
Grilled meats, roast poultry, mushroom dishes and casual dinners where you want a red that feels generous but not heavy-handed.
Style
Dry, medium-full to full-bodied Napa Merlot with ripe red and black fruit, moderate tannin and tasteful oak.
Drinks like
Napa Merlot, softer California Cabernet blends, Right Bank Bordeaux-inspired Merlot blends
Experience level
Easy for newer red-wine drinkers, with enough Napa character for regular Merlot fans.
Flavor notes
Pairs well with
grilled steak with herb butter · pork tenderloin with cherry reduction · roast chicken with mushrooms · mushroom risotto or grilled portobello · aged gouda or mild blue cheese
Serving & enjoying
- Serving temperature:
- 60-65°F
- Decanting:
- 20 minutes is helpful for current releases; older bottles may need less air.
- Glassware:
- Bordeaux or all-purpose red wine glass
- Drink or cellar:
- Best enjoyed within a few years of purchase for fresh fruit; short-term cellaring is reasonable under proper storage.
- After opening:
- Re-cork and refrigerate; best within 2-3 days.
Guidance partly estimated by WineDiscounts from the wine’s style.
About this wine
A Napa Valley Merlot from Charles Krug with plush cherry, plum, pomegranate and cocoa notes, supported by supple tannins and a touch of cedar spice. It is a polished, food-friendly red for steak, burgers, roast poultry or mushroom dishes.
Wine details
- Type
- red
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Grapes
- Current-release listing: 88% Merlot, Current-release listing: 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, Current-release listing: 3% Malbec, Producer 2022 tech sheet differed: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Producer
- Charles Krug Winery
- Country
- United States
- Region
- California, Napa Valley
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Bottle size
- 750 Ml
Details last verified September 24, 2026
Explore
Winemaking details ›
- Winemaker:
- Stacy Clark is identified by Napa Green as Charles Krug's winemaker.
- Vineyard source:
- Producer 2022 tech sheet: selected from Charles Krug estates in St. Helena and Yountville; current-release vineyard sourcing not independently confirmed.
- Vessel:
- French oak barrels noted on the producer 2022 tech sheet.
About the winery · Charles Krug Winery ›
Charles Krug was founded in Napa Valley in 1861 and is described by the winery as Napa Valley's oldest winery estate. The Mondavi family purchased the property in 1943 and has remained steward of the estate for generations. The winery emphasizes classic Napa Valley varieties and estate vineyard holdings across the valley. Its legacy page also credits Charles Krug with opening California's first public tasting room in 1882 and with early adoption of French oak for red wine aging.
Critic reviews
93/100James Suckling
“Aromas of plums, black cherries, dried herbs and spices. Full-bodied with supple tannins and balanced acidity.”
90/100Wine Enthusiast
“Violet and rose petal aromas lead to blackberry and black cherry with mild tannins and good acidity.”
Easier on the wallet
$14.99Josh Cellars Merlot
Merlot · California
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Charles Krug Winery Merlot dry or sweet?
- Charles Krug Winery Merlot is bone dry — its sweetness rating is 1 on our 1 (bone dry) to 5 (sweet) scale. It is medium-to-full bodied.
- What does Charles Krug Winery Merlot taste like?
- Plush cherry and plum fruit with cocoa, cedar, gentle spice and a smooth Napa Valley finish.
- What food pairs with Charles Krug Winery Merlot?
- It pairs well with grilled steak with herb butter, pork tenderloin with cherry reduction, roast chicken with mushrooms, mushroom risotto or grilled portobello and aged Gouda or mild blue cheese.
- How should I serve Charles Krug Winery Merlot?
- Serve at 60-65°F. 20 minutes is helpful for current releases; older bottles may need less air. Glass: Bordeaux or all-purpose red wine glass.
- Is Charles Krug Winery Merlot a good value?
- At $19.99 it carries a verified 93-point score from James Suckling; the review is shown on this page.
- Is there a similar wine that costs less than Charles Krug Winery Merlot?
- Josh Cellars Merlot is a comparable Merlot at $14.99. See Josh Cellars Merlot
- What is the bottle size and alcohol content of Charles Krug Winery Merlot?
- 750 ml bottle.