Red Diamond Merlot

Red Diamond Merlot is a Washington State red wine blend bottled at approximately 13.7–14.5% ABV (varying by vintage) in a standard 750ml bottle. The 2007 vintage earned a Silver medal at the 2009 Mundus Vini international wine competition, underscoring its quality relative to its value-driven price point.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.7–14.5% (vintage dependent)  |  Origin: Washington State, USA  |  Oak-Aged Red Blend  |  Producer: Red Diamond Winery, Paterson, WA

Production & Heritage

Red Diamond Winery operates out of Paterson, Washington, drawing fruit from the state's warm, arid growing regions ideally suited to ripe, full-flavored red varieties. The Merlot is built on a blend of 79% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Syrah — a structure that adds backbone and aromatic complexity beyond a single-varietal bottling. Fermentation takes place over six to ten days on the skins with a twice-daily pump-over regime designed to extract color, flavor, and well-integrated tannins. Following fermentation, the wine matures for over 12 months in a combination of stainless steel tanks and a mix of French and American oak barrels, contributing layered toast and vanilla notes without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberry and black cherry, followed by plum and a thread of baking spice. A backdrop of toasty oak rounds out the bouquet, lending warmth and subtle vanilla.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with generous blackberry and plum flooding the palate. At mid-palate, sweet dark fruit transitions into medium-bodied but firm tannins, while flavors of cherry compote and spice develop. The Cabernet Sauvignon component provides structural grip and a savory edge that keeps the wine focused.

Finish: The finish is smooth and moderate in length, with lingering toasty oak and a gentle echo of dark fruit. Tannins resolve cleanly, leaving a dry and satisfying close.

How to Drink Red Diamond Merlot

Pour at slightly below room temperature — around 60–65°F — to let the fruit and oak aromatics express themselves fully. This Merlot drinks well on its own or alongside a meal. A Merlot Sangria takes advantage of its ripe berry profile, amplifying the fruit with fresh seasonal additions. In a classic Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), its juicy sweetness and medium tannins create a surprisingly balanced, refreshing serve. For a more refined approach, use it as the base in a Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a twist of orange, where its plum and cherry notes shine through the effervescence.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want a reliable, fruit-driven red without overthinking it
• Casual gatherings and barbecues calling for an approachable, crowd-pleasing pour
• Introducing someone to Washington State wines at an accessible entry point
• Building a by-the-glass red wine option for home entertaining

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Red Diamond Merlot taste like? It delivers juicy blackberry, black cherry, and plum flavors supported by medium-bodied tannins and a toasty oak backdrop. The finish is smooth, with lingering dark fruit and gentle spice.

How does Red Diamond Merlot compare to Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon? Both wines come from the same Washington State producer and share a similar value positioning, but the Merlot leads with softer, juicier dark fruit and more approachable tannins. The Cabernet Sauvignon tends toward firmer structure and more pronounced cassis and herbal notes typical of the variety.

Is Red Diamond Merlot good for everyday sipping? Yes — its fruit-forward profile, smooth tannins, and accessible style make it well suited to casual, everyday drinking without requiring food or decanting to enjoy.

Where is Red Diamond Merlot made? Red Diamond Merlot is produced by Red Diamond Winery in Paterson, Washington, sourcing fruit from Washington State's warm eastern growing regions known for producing ripe, concentrated red wines.

What foods pair well with Red Diamond Merlot? Grilled burgers or meatloaf complement the wine's juicy berry core. Roasted lamb chops match its medium tannin structure. Mushroom risotto echoes its earthy, savory undertones. Aged cheddar provides a sharp counterpoint to the fruit sweetness. Tomato-based pasta dishes align well with the wine's acidity and dark fruit character.

What sizes does Red Diamond Merlot come in? Red Diamond Merlot is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Red Diamond Merlot worth the price? Red Diamond Merlot positions squarely as a value-tier Washington State red, delivering oak-aged complexity and a multi-grape blend that punch above its price class. Its Mundus Vini Silver medal and consistent drinkability make it a strong option for budget-conscious buyers who do not want to sacrifice flavor.

Why Red Diamond Merlot?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of everyday Merlots is its Washington State origin and deliberate blending strategy — that 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and small additions of Cabernet Franc and Syrah give it a structural spine that pure Merlot bottlings at this tier often lack. The twice-daily pump-over fermentation and 12-plus months in both French and American oak add measurable depth beyond the typical stainless-steel-only value wine. A Silver medal at Mundus Vini — one of the world's largest international wine competitions — validates that the winemaking translates into the glass. For anyone seeking a fruit-rich, oak-touched red that drinks above its weight, this remains a dependable go-to.