Bogle Merlot 2023

Bogle Merlot brings California generosity without turning the volume up too far. Ripe black cherry, plum, blackcurrant and wild raspberry lead the way, with mocha, sweet herbs, baking spice and a savoury flicker of black tea and bay leaf adding interest. The palate is plush and velvety, with soft tannins and enough freshness to keep each glass moving. From a Clarksburg-based family of sixth-generation farmers and third-generation winemakers, this is an easy choice for anyone after a smooth, flavour-packed red. Pour it with burgers, roast lamb, tomato-rich pasta or a well-stocked pizza.

What the winery says:

The 2023 is a California Merlot at 14.5% alcohol. Published notes describe cherry and baking-spice aromatics, followed by a velvety palate layered with fleshy wild raspberry and savoury nuances of black tea and bay leaf. Bogle works with estate vineyards and long-term growers across California, vinifying individual vineyard blocks separately before ageing its red wines in small oak barrels. The fruit is grown under the California Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing programme.