Thornbury Merlot 2016, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand: This supple New Zealand Merlot is made from vines planted in the estate Omahu Vineyards, in the famous Gimlett Gravels district of the Hawkes Bay region. This is mostly Merlot with a splash of Malbec and Merlot. Black fruit aromas with dark spice. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2016-2020. 865238 13% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. September 3, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot 2015, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States: A blockbuster Washington Merlot from a strong vintage. Aromas of black cherry, spice and smoke. A splash of Syrah in this mostly Merlot wine adds a depth of black raspberry flavour and supple texture. Washington didn't suffer from the phylloxera root louse devastation so the vines are still planted on 100% vinifera rootstock and convey that typicity beautifully. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2018-2022. 486936 13.50% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 93/100. July 5, 2019 Top Rated Red Wine. Plush Pork Wine Full Review

Seven Falls Cellars Merlot 2015, Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States Drink: 2014-2018. 420711 14.50% D 750 mL  $22.95. April 20, 2016 Luscious Lamb Wine Full Review

H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2014, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State, United States: The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures in this eastern Washington state wine region is the reason why Merlots like this one are terrific. In October, during the last weeks of the key ripening season before harvest the nighttime temperature can plummet from 35 degrees in the day to just 20 degrees at night which allows for ripening during the day but then the grapes stop in the night and preserve freshness and natural acidity. The great thing is that the grapes don't get over-ripe as in some warm climates where photosynthesis produces more sugar and therefore more alcohol. That's why Washington red wines are often a moderate 13% alcohol. This wine features aromas of dark spice, fleshy blackberry and smoke. Pair with roast beef. Drink: 2017-2020. 209874 14.50% D 750 mL  $22.95 Score: 92/100. March 4, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review