Wednesday Wine Wars: Merlot Edition Recap

If there’s one thing we love, it’s a good old-fashioned wine showdown! This week’s Wednesday Wine Wars: Merlot Edition brought together wine lovers for a sit-down, guided tasting of five fantastic Merlots—each hailing from a different part of the world. From the velvety elegance of France to the bold expressions of Australia, we sipped, swirled, and savored our way through a truly global tasting experience.

The Merlot Lineup

Our featured wines took us on a delicious journey across five countries:

• Château La Vaisinerie Merlot (France) – A classic Right Bank Bordeaux from the Fronsac region, this wine displayed Merlot’s signature elegance and finesse. With aromas of ripe black cherries, cassis, and subtle hints of violet, the palate was silky and well-structured, revealing layers of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of earthiness. The refined tannins and lingering finish made this a favorite for lovers of traditional Old-World style wines.

• Raywood Merlot (California, USA) – True to its California roots, this Merlot was plush and fruit-forward, offering juicy plum, blackberries, and a smooth, velvety texture. Notes of vanilla and mocha from oak aging added a touch of indulgence, making this an easy-drinking yet expressive wine. Its round, supple mouthfeel and ripe fruit profile were a perfect representation of the warm, sun-kissed vineyards of the Golden State.

• Stellar Organics Merlot (South Africa) – As the world’s first organic and fair-trade certified winery, Stellar Organics crafted a Merlot with a unique character. This wine had an intriguing balance of dark berry flavors—blackcurrant and raspberry—interwoven with earthy undertones and a touch of spice. Lighter in body than some of the others, it showcased bright acidity and a rustic charm, making it an excellent food-friendly option.

• Lapostolle Grand Selection Merlot (Chile) – Representing South America, this Chilean Merlot was bold and structured, reflecting the influence of the high-altitude vineyards of the Rapel Valley. The wine opened with aromas of blackberries, ripe plums, and dark chocolate, followed by a velvety palate with layers of tobacco, cedar, and spice. Its well-integrated tannins and rich complexity made it a standout, proving why Chilean Merlot continues to impress.

• Mollydooker The Scooter Merlot (Australia) – A special treat courtesy of The Wine Guru herself, this vibrant and intensely flavored Merlot was the grand finale of our tasting. But before we could fully experience it, we had to perform the Mollydooker Shake!

The Mollydooker Shake Experience

Mollydooker Wines uses nitrogen to preserve their wines instead of traditional sulfites, which can initially suppress the wine’s aromatics and flavors. To unlock its full potential, we followed the Mollydooker Shake technique:

1. Poured a little wine out to make room.

2. Sealed the bottle and gave it a vigorous shake.

3. Watched tiny nitrogen bubbles form and dissipate.

4. Poured a glass and experienced the transformation!

After the shake, The Scooter revealed an explosion of fruit—raspberries, cherries, and plums—wrapped in vanilla and spice. The wine became lusher, smoother, and more expressive, with lifted aromatics and a silky mouthfeel. This interactive moment was a crowd favorite, adding a fun and educational twist to the tasting!

The Verdict

Each wine brought something special to the table, making for a lively discussion about regional styles, winemaking techniques, and personal preferences. Some fell in love with the elegance of Bordeaux, while others were wooed by the boldness of Australia. No matter where the votes landed, one thing was certain: Merlot deserves its moment in the spotlight!

Final Thoughts

We had an absolute blast exploring the versatility of Merlot and sharing this experience with fellow wine enthusiasts. Whether you were Team Old World or Team New World, we hope you walked away with a new favorite (or at least a fresh appreciation for this underrated grape!).

Stay tuned for our next Wednesday Wine Wars—who knows which varietal will step into the ring next?

Cheers! 🍷