Clos Du Bois Merlot is a Sonoma County, California Merlot bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2021 vintage earned 93 points from Wine Spectator, underscoring the consistent quality this Alexander Valley–rooted winery delivers at an accessible price tier. Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5% | Origin: Sonoma County, California | Varietal: Merlot | Winery: Clos Du Bois (E. & J. Gallo Winery) Production & Heritage Clos Du Bois was founded in 1974 by Frank Woods in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley, one of California's premier grape-growing regions. The winery has been part of E. & J. Gallo Winery since 2019. This Merlot is produced using cold maceration prior to fermentation, which takes place in a combination of stainless steel and oak vessels. Full malolactic fermentation softens the wine's natural acidity and tannin structure, while careful oak integration adds depth without overwhelming the fruit. The winery emphasizes sustainable farming practices, gentle fruit handling, and selective vineyard sourcing to maintain balance across vintages. Tasting Notes Aroma: Ripe raspberry and black cherry lead the nose, followed by layers of sweet tobacco, vanilla, and lightly toasted oak. A subtle brown spice note emerges as the wine opens in the glass. Taste: The entry is smooth, with concentrated black cherry and plum quickly spreading across the mid-palate. Flavors of dark chocolate, mocha, and a distinctive green olive savory note add complexity. The texture is rich but controlled, with soft, fine-grained tannins keeping everything in proportion. Finish: The finish is dry and medium in length, with lingering impressions of blackberry and cocoa. Oak spice fades gently, leaving a clean close that invites the next sip. How to Drink Clos Du Bois Merlot This Merlot drinks well at a slight chill — around 60–65°F — served in a standard Bordeaux glass to concentrate its fruit aromatics. It's equally enjoyable neat or alongside food. A Classic Manhattan variation using red wine as a float benefits from the wine's dark fruit intensity. A simple Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) showcases its easygoing nature in a casual setting. For a more refined approach, use it as the base in a Red Wine Sangria with stone fruits and citrus, where its cherry and plum character anchors the drink beautifully. Best For Weeknight dinners paired with pasta, grilled meats, or hearty stews Introducing red wine newcomers to a soft, approachable Merlot Stocking a home bar with a reliable everyday California red Casual entertaining or potluck gatherings where crowd-pleasing matters Frequently Asked Questions What does Clos Du Bois Merlot taste like? It delivers ripe black cherry, plum, and dark chocolate flavors supported by soft tannins and a subtle mocha undertone. The finish is dry and clean with lingering berry and cocoa notes. How does Clos Du Bois Merlot compare to Orin Swift Mercury Head? Orin Swift Mercury Head is a significantly more premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with higher intensity and price, while Clos Du Bois Merlot from Sonoma County occupies a value-driven tier with softer tannins and a more approachable fruit-forward profile. The two serve very different purposes in a collection — everyday drinking versus special-occasion indulgence. Is Clos Du Bois Merlot good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, generous fruit character, and smooth texture make it one of the more welcoming California Merlots for those exploring red wine for the first time. Where is Clos Du Bois Merlot made? Clos Du Bois is based in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley, California, a region known for warm days and cool nights that allow Merlot grapes to ripen fully while retaining natural acidity. The winery has operated in this area since its founding in 1974. What foods pair well with Clos Du Bois Merlot? Braised short ribs complement the wine's rich dark fruit and soft tannins. Mushroom risotto mirrors its earthy mocha notes. Aged cheddar or Gouda highlights the wine's vanilla and oak undertones. Roasted lamb with herbs matches its medium body and spice. Dark chocolate desserts echo the cocoa tones found on the finish. What sizes does Clos Du Bois Merlot come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format. Is Clos Du Bois Merlot worth the price? Clos Du Bois Merlot positions itself firmly in the everyday-value tier of California reds, and the quality-to-price ratio is strong — particularly given its 93-point Wine Spectator score on the 2021 vintage, which is exceptional for this price category. Why Clos Du Bois Merlot? A 93-point Wine Spectator score on the 2021 vintage places this among the highest-rated Merlots at its price level in California. The combination of cold maceration, full malolactic fermentation, and balanced oak aging produces a wine that punches above its weight in both complexity and texture. With roots in Alexander Valley dating to 1974 and the resources of Gallo's winemaking infrastructure, Clos Du Bois delivers reliable vintage-to-vintage consistency that many comparably priced competitors struggle to match. For anyone seeking a polished, fruit-driven Merlot without a premium price tag, this bottle earns serious consideration.
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