Lidl $6-$14 Merlot tasting

🍷 Blind Wine Tasting Night: Merlot Edition

With Lynn & Scott | Thursday Night Tasting in Ashburn, VA

On a frigid Thursday night in Ashburn, Virginia—20°F outside with “snow-crete” covering the deck—Lynn and Scott gathered indoors for a blind tasting of four budget-friendly Merlots, all sourced from the local Lidl. This tasting was especially fun because it was Round Two: the first tasting wasn’t recorded, so this was a repeat experiment to see whether the same wine would rise to the top again 🧪🍷.

The Merlots ranged in price from $4.95 to $12.98, proving that great wine doesn’t have to be expensive.

🍇 About the Varietal: Merlot

Merlot is known for being approachable, smooth, and fruit-forward, often described as one of the most crowd-pleasing red wines in the world.

Common Merlot Characteristics 🌑🍒

• Aromas: Black cherry, plum, blackberry, red currant, vanilla, cocoa, mocha, baking spice

• Flavors: Ripe cherry, plum, milk chocolate, soft spice

• Structure:

  • Light to moderate acidity

  • Velvety, soft, round tannins

  • Easy-drinking with a smooth finish

Regional Expression 🌍

• California Merlot (this tasting):
  Ripe fruit, softer tannins, hints of vanilla and cocoa, often oak-influenced and plush.

• Compared to France (Bordeaux):
  More structured, earthy, herbaceous, and restrained.

• Compared to Washington State:
  Balanced acidity, darker fruit, and slightly firmer structure.

• Compared to Chile:
  Bright fruit, herbal notes, and great value-driven styles.

The wines in this tasting leaned clearly toward the New World California/Washington expression—fruit-forward, smooth, and accessible.

🍷 The Wines (Revealed in Tasting Order)

🅰️ Wine #1 — Clos du Bois Merlot (2022)

📍 Modesto, California, USA
💲 $12.98
🛒 Purchased at: Lidl
🍷 ABV: 13.9%

Tasting Notes:

• Deep, dark, clear color

• Aromas of blueberry, plum, blackberry, vanilla

• Ripe berry flavors spread across the palate

• Smooth mouthfeel with a noticeable, pleasant finish

Scores:

• Lynn: 16

• Scott: 13

• Total: 29

Buy Again?

• Lynn: Yes — would bring to a party 🎉

• Scott: Yes — drink at home

➡️ Overall Impression: Plush, balanced, and immediately enjoyable. This wine felt “complete” from nose to finish.

🅱️ Wine #2 — Soldiers of Fortune Red Blend (2019)

📍 California, USA

• 68% San Luis Obispo

• 19% Monterey

• 13% Sonoma
  💲 $13.99
  🛒 Purchased at: Lidl
  🍷 ABV: 13.5%

Tasting Notes:

• Dark garnet color

• Cherry and vanilla aromas

• Some tasters noted an alcohol-forward / paint-thinner note

• Light on the palate with limited grip and finish

Scores:

• Lynn: 14

• Scott: 7

• Total: 21

Buy Again?

• Lynn: Yes — would still bring to a party

• Scott: No — felt overpriced for the experience

➡️ Overall Impression: Not unpleasant, but underwhelming for the price.

🅲 Wine #3 — Redwood Highway Merlot

📍 California, USA
💲 $4.95
🛒 Purchased at: Lidl
🍷 ABV: 12.9%
📆 Vintage: Not stated

Tasting Notes:

• Very dark and clear

• Aromas of cherry and vanilla, with some medicinal / bandage-like notes

• Pleasant enough, but lacked depth and excitement

Scores:

• Lynn: 15

• Scott: 8

• Total: 23

Buy Again?

• Lynn: Yes — party-worthy for the price

• Scott: No — drinkable, but not memorable

➡️ Overall Impression: Solid for under $5, but clearly a step below the leaders.

🅳 Wine #4 — Vintage Northwest Merlot (2019)

📍 Columbia Valley, Walla Walla, Washington, USA
💲 $8.99
🛒 Purchased at: Lidl
🍷 ABV: 13.5%

Tasting Notes:

• Extremely dark, clear color

• Cherry and vanilla with a touch of earthiness and oak

• Balanced tannins and acidity

• Slight dryness on the finish, but good structure

Scores:

• Lynn: 16

• Scott: 12

• Total: 28

Buy Again?

• Lynn: Yes — party-ready

• Scott: Yes — drink at home

➡️ Overall Impression: Balanced, structured, and impressive for the price.

🏆 Winning Wine of the Night

🥇 Clos du Bois Merlot (2022) — 29 Points

Why It Won:

• Most complete wine from aroma to finish

• Rich fruit expression without harsh alcohol

• Universally enjoyable by both tasters

• Versatile: great at home or at a party

💰 Best Value Award

Vintage Northwest Merlot (2019) — $8.99
Nearly tied for first and delivered excellent balance and depth for the price.

🍷 Final Takeaway:
This tasting proved (again!) that blind tastings level the playing field. Price doesn’t guarantee preference, but balance, texture, and finish absolutely matter. Clos du Bois took the crown, while Vintage Northwest stole the value spotlight.

Cheers to round two—and yes… like and subscribe 😉🍷