Many people have been heading towards the bigger, more intense, more extracted wines.' Could it be that scores have something to do with this, as most Merlots do not receive 95, 96 or 97 points, as with some of Napa's finest Cabernet Sauvignons? 'Yes, I think that’s very true. To me, Merlot is much more of a finesse wine. I don’t know why, if it’s the movie or other things. 'It hasn’t come back to the extent that I’d like to see it come back. 'We don't make a lot of Merlot.' Lewis does make a small amount of varietal Merlot, but also blends the variety with Syrah for his Alec's Blend bottling.ĭave Miner at Miner Family Vineyards in Oakville is a Merlot enthusiast and admits that sales haven't returned to previous levels, offering several reasons. Has it come back? 'I don't think so,' he comments.
At Lewis Cellars in nearby Oakville, Randy Lewis has also seen a decline in Merlot sales.
