Chloe Merlot

Chloe Merlot is a 100% Merlot from Monterey County's San Lucas AVA, bottled at 13.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2021 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, recognizing its firm texture and layered dark-fruit character shaped by one of California's most extreme diurnal temperature swings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: San Lucas, Monterey County, Central Coast, California  |  12 Months Oak-Aged  |  Winemaker: Andrea Brambila

Production & Heritage

Chloe wines source their Merlot from the San Lucas AVA within greater Monterey County, a sub-region that claims the largest diurnal temperature variation of any California AVA. Those dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts allow the grapes to develop deep color and concentrated fruit while retaining balancing acidity. After harvest, the wine is aged for 12 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels — a dual-oak approach that layers toasty vanilla from the American staves alongside the subtler spice and structure contributed by French cooperage. Winemaker Andrea Brambila oversees the program, continuing the style originally shaped by founding winemaker Georgetta Dane.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with freshly picked blueberries and ripe black cherry, followed by deeper waves of turned earth, cocoa and a wisp of cool mint. Mocha and baking spice round out the bouquet as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: On the palate, abundant blackberry and plum arrive first, coating the mouth with a plush, velvety texture. Mid-palate, soft tannins frame notes of boysenberry and cracked black pepper, while the oak influence reveals toasted pecan and a gentle vanilla sweetness. The acidity stays smooth and well-integrated, keeping the full body from feeling heavy.

Finish: The finish is long and luxurious, trailing mocha, warm spice and a faint echo of dark cherry. Fine-grained tannins linger without astringency, leaving a clean and satisfying close.

How to Drink Chloe Merlot

This Merlot drinks well at a slight cool — around 60–65°F — and benefits from 15 to 20 minutes of breathing in a wide-bowled glass to let the oak and fruit integrate. It's equally enjoyable neat or paired with food.

• Classic Manhattan (wine-based riff): The wine's inherent vanilla and spice notes mirror the cocktail's sweet-vermouth backbone.
• Red Wine Sangria: Chloe Merlot's ripe berry fruit and soft tannins create a lush base that doesn't turn bitter with citrus and brandy.
• Kalimotxo: The plush mouthfeel and dark-fruit sweetness balance cola's carbonation and bitterness in this Basque Country classic.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing with grilled meats or pasta
• Introducing Merlot skeptics to a well-made California expression
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a casual dinner party
• Building a mixed case of Central Coast reds for everyday drinking

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chloe Merlot taste like? Chloe Merlot leads with ripe blackberry, black cherry and plum, followed by mocha, vanilla and baking spice from its 12-month oak aging. The texture is plush and velvety with soft tannins and smooth acidity.

How does Chloe Merlot compare to Apothic Red? Chloe Merlot is a single-varietal, 100% Merlot sourced from a specific California AVA, while Apothic Red is a proprietary blend of multiple red varietals designed for a sweeter, fruit-forward profile. Chloe's dual-oak aging and San Lucas terroir give it more structure and earthiness than the broadly blended Apothic.

Is Chloe Merlot good for sipping on its own? Yes — its full body, soft tannins and layered fruit make it an approachable neat pour, especially after a few minutes of airing in the glass. It requires no food accompaniment to be enjoyable.

Where is Chloe Merlot made? Chloe Merlot is produced from vineyards in the San Lucas AVA, a sub-appellation within Monterey County on California's Central Coast. The region is known for its extreme diurnal temperature swings, which contribute to concentrated fruit flavors and balanced acidity.

What foods pair well with Chloe Merlot? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's earthy, peppery mid-palate. Mushroom risotto mirrors its cocoa and turned-earth aromatics. Aged cheddar highlights the vanilla and toasty oak notes. Dark chocolate desserts echo the mocha on the finish. Herb-roasted chicken works with its soft tannins and berry fruit.

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

Is Chloe Merlot worth the price? Chloe Merlot positions as a premium everyday wine — above basic supermarket labels but well below reserve-tier Merlots. A 91-point Wine Enthusiast score for the 2021 vintage suggests strong quality relative to its price tier.

Why Chloe Merlot?

What separates this bottling from the crowded field of California Merlot is its specific vineyard sourcing. The San Lucas AVA's record-setting diurnal temperature range produces grapes with unusual depth and natural acidity — qualities reflected in the wine's firm structure and concentrated dark-fruit core. The 12-month aging program across both American and French oak adds complexity without overwhelming the fruit, a balance that earned the 2021 vintage 91 points from Wine Enthusiast. For drinkers who dismissed Merlot after the "Sideways" era, Chloe makes a compelling case for the grape's continued relevance on California's Central Coast.