Josh Cellars Merlot
Merlot · California
$14.99
CK Mondavi and Family Merlot
CK Mondavi and Family · California · United States
$5.99
1
Building a case?
Add this wine to your mix-and-match 12-bottle case — every bottle at our already-low everyday price.
Why it’s a great value
It carries a verified 89-point score from Wine Enthusiast 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
Soft cherry, plum, blueberry, blackberry jam, a little chocolate, and light herbal lift.
You’ll like this if…
Choose this if you like mellow California reds such as soft Merlot, easy red blends, or fruit-forward Cabernet without firm tannins.
Why buy it
It is an affordable, recognizable California Merlot with plush fruit, moderate alcohol, and broad food flexibility.
Best for
Pizza night, burgers, braised beef, pork chops, mushroom dishes, and relaxed gatherings.
Style
Fruit-forward California Merlot; smooth, medium to full bodied, low in perceived sweetness, and easy to drink.
Drinks like
California Merlot, soft California red blends, approachable Columbia Valley Merlot.
Experience level
Beginner-friendly and familiar, but still useful for anyone who wants a simple, soft red.
Flavor notes
Pairs well with
braised beef short ribs · grilled pork chops · baked mushroom tart · wood-fired pizza · savory gouda or gruyere
Best occasions
Serving & enjoying
- Serving temperature:
- 60-65°F
- Decanting:
- No decant needed; open 10 minutes before serving if possible.
- Glassware:
- Standard red wine glass
- Drink or cellar:
- Drink now; this is made for fresh, everyday enjoyment rather than long cellaring.
- After opening:
- Recork and refrigerate; best within 3-4 days.
Guidance partly estimated by WineDiscounts from the wine’s style.
About this wine
CK Mondavi and Family Merlot is a smooth, fruit-forward California red with Bing cherry, blueberry, blackberry jam, plum, and gentle herbal notes. Medium to full bodied with a plush texture, it is an easy weeknight Merlot for pizza, burgers, pork chops, and casual dinners.
Wine details
- Type
- red
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Grapes
- 88% Merlot, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Producer
- CK Mondavi and Family
- Country
- United States
- Region
- California
- Appellation
- California
- Bottle size
- 750 Ml
- ABV
- 13.6%
Details last verified September 24, 2026
Explore
Winemaking details ›
- Winemaker:
- Randy Herron
- Vineyard source:
- Fruit is sourced from CK Mondavi's estate vineyards in Dunnigan Hills plus long-term family winegrowers.
About the winery · CK Mondavi and Family ›
CK Mondavi and Family began making California-grown wines in 1946, with a goal of bringing family and friends together over good food and wine. The brand is family-owned and operated by the Peter Mondavi Sr. family and produces its wines in St. Helena, California. The winery describes its style as approachable, fruit-forward, and food friendly, with Randy Herron serving as winemaker. The producer also highlights California-grown fruit, vegan and gluten-free wines, bottling in Napa, and Certified Made in USA positioning.
Sustainability
Critic reviews
89/100Wine Enthusiast
“Aromas of dried red currant, cranberry, savory herbs, chicory, and bittersweet chocolate.”
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Frequently asked questions
- Is CK Mondavi and Family Merlot dry or sweet?
- CK Mondavi and Family 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 CK Mondavi and Family Merlot taste like?
- Soft cherry, plum, blueberry, blackberry jam, a little chocolate, and light herbal lift.
- What food pairs with CK Mondavi and Family Merlot?
- It pairs well with Braised beef short ribs, Grilled pork chops, Baked mushroom tart, Wood-fired pizza and Savory gouda or gruyere.
- How should I serve CK Mondavi and Family Merlot?
- Serve at 60-65°F. No decant needed; open 10 minutes before serving if possible. Glass: Standard red wine glass.
- Is CK Mondavi and Family Merlot a good value?
- At $5.99 it carries a verified 89-point score from Wine Enthusiast; the review is shown on this page.
- What is the bottle size and alcohol content of CK Mondavi and Family Merlot?
- 750 ml bottle, 13.6% alcohol by volume.