| Rating | 94 |
| Style | Red |
| Variety | Merlot |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Appellation |
Livermore Valley San Francisco Bay Central Coast California USA |
| ABV | 14.6% |
| Price | $50.00 |
| Print Shelf Talker | |
| Reviewed By | |
| Reviewed | 2026-09-29 |
Perfect For
Backyard BBQs, Holiday Meals, Wine And Cheese Night
Drink If You Like
Cabernet Franc, Malbec , Merlot
Retzlaff Vineyards Merlot 2023 Review
Gloria Retzlaff Taylor and Robert Taylor (a geochemist) founded Retzlaff in 1976 on the principle of sustainability. The Livermore Valley estate was formerly a sheep ranch and was never exposed to herbicides, giving the land a leg up and a unique quality to the wine. Retzlaff’s Merlot shows black and blue fruit on the nose, with a hint of raspberry and some earthy pepper in the background. The mouthfeel is soft and deep, with easy tannins and a lingering finish. So good.
As of 2024, VinePair no longer participates in any affiliate programs. All links included in our content are as a convenience to our readers, not for earning commission — we receive no monetary value from them. Learn more about our tastings & review department here!
Related Reads
Learn About Merlot
Related Merlot Reviews
Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Merlot 2022:
This wine continues to be a definitive powerhouse of a Merlot. It is immense and deep while at the same time focused, precise, and ...
L’Ecole Nº 41 Columbia Valley Merlot 2022:
If you haven’t had Merlot from Washington State, here is your introduction. This bottle is both delicious and easy to find. It has a ...
Long Meadow Ranch E.J. Church Merlot 2021:
Coming from a small vineyard tucked away behind Long Meadow Ranch's Mountain Estate, this wine is soft, earthy, and beautifully balanced. ...
Veritas Winery Merlot 2023:
Veritas has proven it knows how to hone in on Virginia’s East Coast elegance. Still fresh and juicy at age three, the wine brings notes ...
Featured Merlot Articles
North of Atlanta, the Tides Are Changing for Georgia-Grown Wine:
When Georgia is mentioned in wine-centric circles, it's usually centered on the country, but the state of Georgia is equally impressive.
Before ‘Sideways,’ This Colorful Cast of Winemakers Put Santa Barbara on the Map:
Long before camera crews showed up to blow Santa Barbara's cover, a scrappy group of winemakers roamed the landscape.
15 Winemakers to Watch in 2024:
With hundreds of new and exciting wineries popping up every year, here are 15 winemakers to keep an eye on in 2024.
The 30 Best Red Wines for 2024:
From weeknight bottles to special-occasion splurges, here are the 30 red wines that should be in your glass this year.
