Bogle Vineyards Merlot
Bogle Vineyards Merlot is America's best-selling Merlot in its price tier — a 750mL California red at 14.5% ABV, aged 12 months in American oak, that earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast on the 2022 vintage. Bing cherry, sassafras, and pipe tobacco wrapped in vanilla spice — order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 14.5%
- Size: 750mL
- Grapes: Merlot, sourced from California vineyards (Lodi, Clarksburg, Monterey)
- Aging: 12 months in American oak
- Recognition: 90 points, Wine Enthusiast (2022 vintage); Nielsen #1 domestic Merlot in its price tier
- Winery: Bogle Vineyards — family-owned and operated since 1968, Clarksburg, CA
The Ten-Dollar Merlot That Drinks Like Twenty
Nielsen's numbers are blunt: in the $8–$11.99 domestic tier, Bogle is the best-selling Merlot in America. Critics agree — Wine Enthusiast's Tonya Pitts gave the 2022 vintage 90 points and a Best Buy nod. The secret is the oak program and the vineyard sources: California fruit crushed, pressed, and fermented to keep its freshness, then rounded in American oak for a full year. Shoppers comparing merlot bottles at this price rarely find this combination of scores and sales history; the red wine aisle is crowded, but the rest of the Bogle Vineyards range carries the same over-delivering DNA.
Tasting Notes
Garnet in color. Aromatics of Bing cherries, sassafras, and hints of pipe tobacco. Supple red fruits on the entry give way to touches of cedar, sweet herbs, and vanilla baking spice, with a plush, velvety middle and a smooth, lingering finish. Official notes also cite dark cherries, black plums, and caramelized sugar in recent vintages.
How to Enjoy
Serve at cellar temperature, no decanting required. The winery's own pairings: margherita pizza, aged white cheddar, or duck breast with raspberry sauce. It is the weeknight red that behaves like a weekend bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bogle the best-selling Merlot in America?
Per Nielsen retail data, Bogle was the #1 domestic Merlot in the $8–$11.99 tier — the country's best-selling Merlot at its price.
What does Bogle Merlot taste like?
Bing cherry, sassafras, and pipe tobacco with vanilla and cedar spice from 12 months in American oak.
How long is Bogle Merlot aged?
Twelve months in American oak, per the winery's fact sheets.
Is Bogle Vineyards family owned?
Yes — family-owned and operated since 1968 in Clarksburg, California.
Ninety points, twelve months of oak, and a price that still starts with a one — the Bogle Vineyards Merlot is waiting at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA; order online and taste why it outsells everything around it.