Intro To Merlot Trio

Three expressions of Napa’s signature grape, from blush to bold.

Rutherford Hill has championed Merlot since 1972, when its founders saw the Rutherford Bench’s resemblance to Pomerol and bet on the grape. This trio shows the range of what Merlot can be, and it makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who wants to learn their way around the variety. Taste the wines in order, from lightest to richest.

2025 Rosé of Merlot
A fresh, food-friendly start. Chill it well and pour it before dinner or on a warm afternoon.

2022 Napa Valley Merlot
Our benchmark Merlot, with dense dark red fruit, spice, and a touch of toasted oak. It’s rich and concentrated yet elegant, and it earned 93 points from James Suckling.

2023 AJT Rutherford Merlot
A single-vineyard Merlot from AJT Vineyard in Rutherford, named for Anthony J. Terlato, the family’s founder and patriarch. James Suckling gave it 93 points. It’s the deepest and most expressive wine in the set.

Together, the three wines show how Merlot changes with how it’s grown and made. The set works as a host gift, a holiday present, or a tasting night for two.

All Wine Gift Sets will start shipping the first week of December 2026.