Josh Cellars Merlot
Merlot · California
$14.99
Showing image 1 of 1: Charles Smith Devil Merlot 750 Ml front bottle
Charles Smith Wines Devil Merlot
Charles Smith Wines · Washington · United States
$11.99
1
Only 3 left in stock
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Why it’s a great value
It carries a verified 93-point score from Beverage Testing Institute / Tastings.com 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
Plush blackberries and cassis with cedar, tobacco and a smooth, velvety finish.
You’ll like this if…
Choose this if you like soft, fruit-forward Merlot, Washington reds, or Cabernet blends but want gentler tannins.
Why buy it
It delivers the dark-fruit richness people want from Merlot without feeling heavy or fussy, and it is easy to pair with grilled food.
Best for
Burgers, steak, bacon dishes, casual dinners and shoppers looking for a polished red around the everyday price range.
Style
Smooth, dry, dark-fruited Washington Merlot with moderate body and soft tannins.
Drinks like
Washington Merlot, soft Columbia Valley-style red blends, fruit-forward California Merlot.
Experience level
Beginner-friendly but flavorful enough for regular red-wine drinkers.
Flavor notes
Pairs well with
burger with all the fixings · grilled steak · bacon-topped dishes · lasagna or baked pasta with tomato and meat sauce
Best occasions
Serving & enjoying
- Serving temperature:
- 60-65°F
- Decanting:
- Not required; open 15-20 minutes before serving if you want the fruit to relax.
- Glassware:
- Standard red wine glass
- Drink or cellar:
- Current release is intended for near-term drinking rather than long cellaring.
- After opening:
- Best within 2-3 days, recorked and stored cool.
Guidance partly estimated by WineDiscounts from the wine’s style.
About this wine
A smooth Washington Merlot with deep black-fruit character, cassis, cedar and tobacco notes. Plush and easygoing, it is built for burgers, steak and bacon-rich comfort food.
Wine details
- Type
- red
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Grapes
- Merlot is the stated variety; exact current-release blend percentages were not stated on the producer product page.
- Producer
- Charles Smith Wines
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Washington
- Appellation
- Washington State
- Bottle size
- 750 Ml
- ABV
- 13.5%
Details last verified September 25, 2026
Explore
Winemaking details ›
- Vineyard source:
- Washington State fruit; specific vineyards not stated on the producer page.
About the winery · Charles Smith Wines ›
Charles Smith Wines was founded by Charles Smith, whose path to wine included years in Europe managing rock bands before he began making wine in Washington. The brand emphasizes bold, recognizable labels and approachable wines made for everyday drinking. The winery describes its red-wine approach as rooted in Old World techniques, including extended skin contact and lees time to build texture. The Velvet Devil Merlot fits that house style with a plush, smooth profile and a clear Washington State identity.
Critic reviews
93/100Beverage Testing Institute / Tastings.com
“red cherry, black plum, red and black currant, and herbs”
89/100Wine Enthusiast
“velvety, smooth mouthfeel ... elevated acidity and plush tannins”
89/100Decanter
“plush, approachable red packed with spiced plums, ripe berries”
Trade up
$14.99Josh Cellars Merlot
Merlot · California
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Charles Smith Wines Devil Merlot dry or sweet?
- Charles Smith Wines Devil Merlot is bone dry — its sweetness rating is 1 on our 1 (bone dry) to 5 (sweet) scale. It is medium-bodied.
- What does Charles Smith Wines Devil Merlot taste like?
- Plush blackberries and cassis with cedar, tobacco and a smooth, velvety finish.
- What food pairs with Charles Smith Wines Devil Merlot?
- It pairs well with Burger with all the fixings, Grilled steak, Bacon-topped dishes and Lasagna or baked pasta with tomato and meat sauce.
- How should I serve Charles Smith Wines Devil Merlot?
- Serve at 60-65°F. Not required; open 15-20 minutes before serving if you want the fruit to relax. Glass: Standard red wine glass.
- Is Charles Smith Wines Devil Merlot a good value?
- At $11.99 it carries a verified 93-point score from Beverage Testing Institute / Tastings.com; the review is shown on this page.
- What is the bottle size and alcohol content of Charles Smith Wines Devil Merlot?
- 750 ml bottle, 13.5% alcohol by volume.