Aquinas Merlot

Aquinas Merlot is a 100% Merlot from Napa Valley, California, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Don Sebastiani & Sons and named in honor of Saint Thomas Aquinas — the subject of patriarch Don Sebastiani Senior's thesis — this bottling channels Napa fruit through a 16-month oak-aging program split between French and American casks.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Varietal: 100% Merlot  |  Producer: Don Sebastiani & Sons

Production & Heritage

Don Sebastiani & Sons is a family-run operation with deep roots in California winemaking. The Aquinas Merlot is fermented as a single-varietal wine and then aged for 16 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, with roughly 25% new wood in the program. That blend of cooperage contributes structure from the French oak and broader vanilla-spice character from the American barrels, while the moderate percentage of new wood keeps the fruit expression from being overwhelmed.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark berries — blackberry and black plum — dominate the initial nose, followed by a layer of milk chocolate and subtle floral undertones. A trace of coffee emerges as the wine opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is soft and fruit-forward, with ripe raspberry and cherry jam flavors coating the palate. At mid-palate, cocoa and dark currant notes develop, supported by moderate tannins that provide grip without harshness. The overall impression is round and approachable, leaning toward a sweeter fruit profile with low to moderate acidity.

Finish: Medium in length, with lingering berry compote and a faint espresso-like bitterness that adds depth. The tannins carry through cleanly, leaving a balanced, dry close.

How to Drink Aquinas Merlot

This Merlot is best enjoyed at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, in a standard Bordeaux glass that allows the berry aromatics room to develop. It drinks well on its own without decanting, though 20–30 minutes of air can soften the tannins further. For cocktail and wine-based drink applications, the soft fruit profile works in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where the chocolate undertones complement the sweetness; a classic Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a citrus twist for warm-weather drinking; or a Sangria, where the ripe berry character integrates easily with fresh fruit and brandy.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing with roasted or grilled meats
• Introducing red wine drinkers to Napa Valley Merlot
• Casual gatherings where an approachable, fruit-driven red is needed
• Building a comparative tasting of California Merlots at different price tiers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Aquinas Merlot taste like? Aquinas Merlot delivers ripe blackberry, cherry jam, and chocolate flavors with soft tannins and a medium-length finish. It is a fruit-forward, approachable Napa Valley red with low acidity and subtle coffee and floral undertones.

How does Aquinas Merlot compare to Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot? Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot is widely regarded as a benchmark for the category, typically showing more structural complexity, higher acidity, and greater aging potential at a significantly higher price point. Aquinas Merlot occupies a more accessible tier, emphasizing soft fruit and immediate drinkability over cellar-worthiness.

Is Aquinas Merlot good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, generous fruit, and low acidity make it one of the more welcoming Napa Merlots for drinkers who are new to red wine. The flavor profile is straightforward and not overly tannic, which reduces the learning curve.

Where is Aquinas Merlot made? Aquinas Merlot is produced by Don Sebastiani & Sons using fruit sourced from Napa Valley, California. The wine is named after the medieval philosopher and theologian Saint Thomas Aquinas.

What foods pair well with Aquinas Merlot? Grilled lamb chops work well, as the berry fruit complements the char and richness of the meat. Mushroom risotto mirrors the wine's earthy undertones. Aged cheddar or Gouda amplifies the chocolate and dark-fruit notes. Braised short ribs match the soft tannin structure, and a simple margherita pizza pairs naturally with the wine's medium body and berry-forward palate.

What sizes does Aquinas Merlot come in? Aquinas Merlot is primarily available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Aquinas Merlot worth the price? Aquinas Merlot positions as an entry-level Napa Valley Merlot, making it a reasonable value for drinkers who want the Napa appellation without the premium price tag associated with producers like Duckhorn or Shafer. It delivers clean varietal character and solid oak integration for its tier.

Why Aquinas Merlot?

What distinguishes Aquinas Merlot within the crowded California Merlot field is its combination of Napa Valley sourcing and a thoughtful oak program — 16 months in a blend of French and American barrels with 25% new wood — at an accessible price tier. The Don Sebastiani & Sons name carries decades of California winemaking experience behind it. For drinkers who want a fruit-driven, easy-drinking Napa Merlot without the investment required by top-tier producers, this bottling fills a specific and practical role. It is not a wine built for long cellaring, but as a ready-to-drink expression of Napa Merlot, it delivers honest varietal character.