Rating 95
Style Red
Variety
Vintage 2022
Appellation
New York
USA
ABV 12.4%
Price $22.00 Value Pick  Buy This Wine
Print Shelf Talker
Reviewed By
Reviewed 2026-09-29

Perfect For

Cooking And Sipping, Holiday Meals, Long-Term Aging

Drink If You Like

Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec , Merlot

Wagner Vineyards Merlot 2022 Review

The Wagner family has been cultivating grapes in the Finger Lakes for five generations, and in 1979, Bill Wagner was the first winemaker to open a winery on the east side of Seneca Lake. New York’s cool climate comes across beautifully in this lively, light-footed Merlot, which comes in at just 12.4 percent ABV. The wine brings notes of blueberries, soil, and a hint of savory nori, with some added depth from 12 months of aging in both French and American oak. The texture on the palate is amazing, with ripe fruit balanced by a very present acidity that keeps the wine refreshing. How is this wine $22?

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95
POINTS
Wagner Vineyards Merlot 2022
The Wagner family has been cultivating grapes in the Finger Lakes for five generations, and in 1979, Bill Wagner was the first winemaker to open a winery on the east side of Seneca Lake. New York’s cool climate comes across beautifully in this lively, light-footed Merlot, which comes in at just 12.4 percent ABV. The wine brings notes of blueberries, soil, and a hint of savory nori, with some added depth from 12 months of aging in both French and American oak. The texture on the palate is amazing, with ripe fruit balanced by a very present acidity that keeps the wine refreshing. How is this wine $22?

Reviewed On: 09-29-2026
95
POINTS
Wagner Vineyards Merlot 2022
The Wagner family has been cultivating grapes in the Finger Lakes for five generations, and in 1979, Bill Wagner was the first winemaker to open a winery on the east side of Seneca Lake. New York’s cool climate comes across beautifully in this lively, light-footed Merlot, which comes in at just 12.4 percent ABV. The wine brings notes of blueberries, soil, and a hint of savory nori, with some added depth from 12 months of aging in both French and American oak. The texture on the palate is amazing, with ripe fruit balanced by a very present acidity that keeps the wine refreshing. How is this wine $22?

Reviewed On: 09-29-2026