Dark Horse Merlot review
A bold and jammy California red wine on a budget.
I live by the phrase: all Merlot is good Merlot. And before you disagree, bear with me. Everyone has a wine style that just works for their palate, and for me, that’s Merlot. It’s the reliable choice in any setting – pub, restaurant, swanky bar – and it rarely lets me down. While it’s not always the most exciting wine in the room, it’s one I can always trust.
France may still hold the badge of honour for Merlot, but Italy, the United States, and beyond are all putting their own stamp on the grape. California, in particular, has built a style that’s hard to ignore – and Dark Horse Merlot sits comfortably within it. A brilliant expression of the category, it’s bold, ripe, and made for easy drinking.
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About Dark Horse wine
Based in California, Dark Horse was pioneered by winemaker Beth Liston, whose approach helped shape the brand’s direction from the outset. At its core, Dark Horse brings together traditional winemaking methods with more modern, technology-led techniques, aiming to strike a balance between heritage and precision.
That combination has helped the brand build a portfolio of Californian wines that have gained international recognition and a reputation that extends well beyond its home state.
Dark Horse Merlot review
With Dark Horse Merlot specifically, the approach takes a slightly less conventional turn. The grapes are harvested earlier than you might expect for a style like this, which shifts the balance of the wine and sets it apart from more traditional expressions of Merlot. It feels a touch more structured and lifted than expected at this price point.
Compared to most Merlots I’ve tried, the Dark Horse Merlot feels slightly fuller in body than average. It leans into ripe red fruit – plum and cherry at the core – with a gentle spice running through it that gives the wine a warm, easy-drinking feel.
There’s also a subtle smoky, slightly oaky edge in the background, which ties in with the brand’s notes of toasted oak and warm spice. That jammy red fruit character sits right at the centre, softening the structure and keeping everything rounded rather than sharp.
Overall, it’s an easy-drinking, fruit-led Merlot with a gentle warmth and just enough structure to keep it interesting glass after glass. At around £10.50 a bottle at TESCO, it’s an easy, accessible choice.
Ready to try something new?
If you love Merlot but you’re ready to branch out, check out my guide to the best alternative wines to Merlot.
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This is a great review! ☺️
It’s lovely that you included information about the brand as well as it’s always nice to find out more about where the product comes from!
Love Lozza x
Thank you so much! I love learning a bit about the brand origin so I’m glad to know that it’s something you enjoy reading about too 🙂
Ohhhh this sounds gorgeous. Perfect weather for it too!
It’s such a lovely wine especially at this time of year! 🙂
This really does sound like it’s perfect for this time of year — I can see myself having this with the saucy veggie lasagna you mentioned it would go well with. Ooh, this does sound good!
Ever since I found out that they suggested pairing it with a veggie lasagne it’s all I can think about :’) It’s an amazing wine!
I’m not a wine or alcohol drinker and I’ve never been a fan of wine either but I think if I was to have any it would be something like this. I love how fruity and rich it sounds!
It’s a really lovely wine for this time of year! I’ll be sharing some alcohol-free content soon so hopefully there’ll be something for you in there 😉
This sounds delicious! I don’t typically drink Californian reds, only rose usually but I do love jammy reds (definitely a strong descriptor by the way) so this one sounds like something I’d enjoy, I need to check it out x
Sophie
I’m the same, I usually drink Californian rosés and Spanish reds but the Dark Horse merlot is honestly amazing! Glad you’re on board with the jammy reds – I’ll be using that descriptor as frequently as I can moving forward :’) x
I’ve never heard of a “jammy” wine either, but I like the sound of it! Great review.
It’s such a strange description but I’m so on board with it too haha! Thanks 🙂
I’m more of a wine white drinker myself, but this does sound nice 🙂
I do love a white wine as well! It’s such a great red 🙂
Merlots are one of my favourite varietals and this one sounds like I would really like it. Interesting we have a BC Canada winery in my area also called Dark Horse who have some wonderful premium wines. I will look for this one in our local wine stores. Thanks for sharing!
Ooh that’s interesting! Hopefully you can find this one in your local shop 🙂
I absolutely love wine, especially red wine and merlot is one my favourite. The warm spice flavour would draw me right in! X
It’s the perfect wine for this time of year! 🙂 x
Jammy wine? Sounds intriguing and it is a great word; I can already taste the flavor in my mind.
I have always thought of wines as more of a summer drink but that this has a hint of spice in it makes me immediately want to try it now on these sunny fall days!
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
It’s such a great word isn’t it! The wine is perfect for this time of year 🙂
I love reading your reviews! I’m not all that into red wine but this actually sounds really tasty!x
It’s a really great red! It’s got such a unique flavour that even if you’re not usually a red wine lover you might end up liking this one 🙂
Sounds like a delicious wine to try! I also really like the label – great design!
Jenna ♥
Stay in touch? Life of an Earth Muffin
The label is really unique isn’t it! The wine is delicious too 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing. It sounds like great vine.
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It’s so lovely! Thanks for reading 🙂
I’ve never heard of a ‘jammy’ wine until I read this post Faye! A lovely review as always x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
It’s a new term to me as well but I love it! Thank so much Lucy 🙂 x
This wine sounds great! Its interesting to hear the different techniques used!
It’s an amazing wine! Glad you enjoyed reading 🙂
I really want to get into red wines! It’s going to happen one day. Once again loved your wine Wednesday post 🙂
So glad you enjoyed the post! Hopefully you’ll find the perfect red wine soon (maybe even this one!) 🙂
Ooooh, like the consensus seems to be, “jammy” wine sounds intriguing and yum! I’m finally gonna be legal next month, so I’m definitely gonna have to browse through your site for some quality recommendations :’) x
‘Jammy’ is such a great descriptor isn’t it! Ooh that’s exciting! Hopefully you find something you like the sound of 🙂 x
totally loved this post! thanks for sharing sweetie <3 can't wait to see more from you!
hope your well
Thank you so much! 🙂
I like Californian wines. This one is one I would love to try. Cheers!
http://www.fashionradi.com
It’s a great wine – I’d definitely recommend giving it a go 🙂
I love a good, dark, deep red, especially in the winter! This sounds delicious and I love the name of the brand. Thank you for sharing!
I’m with you there! Glad you enjoyed reading 🙂
It’s tough trying to find a good Merlot, that is in the middle in regards to price. They often are very tannic and flat. But the way you describe this one, makes me want to run out and buy it. Thanks for the review!
I know what you mean. The Dark Horse wines really are amazing so I’d recommend trying this one for sure. The rosé is also lovely! 🙂
Oooh! I love dark red wine! It definitely hits different. Love that there are so many wineries out in California but I haven’t been to many of them. Oooh the toasted oak sounds delish!! Glad you enjoyed the merlot overall. Gotta give Dark Horse a try!!
California has really come a long with with it’s local wine! I found a book in my house a few weeks back which must be around 15-20 years old and it said that in the future Californian were going to be huge – so funny that that’s actually ended up happening! You definitely need to try the Dark Horse wines when you get a chance 🙂
Fruity with warm spice… That’s definitely interesting. Thanks for the review!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
It’s so lovely and warming! 🙂
I think this will be one I have to try out! My grandad is a huge merlot lover so might have to get him some too. He told me about a red wine that’s got the word ‘jammy’ in the title, makes it sound really appealing to me!
Steff x
It’s such an incredible wine – a favourite merlot of mine for sure! I love the term ‘jammy’ so much. It was a completely new term to me until I tried the Dark Horse merlot. I’ll definitely be using it to describe other reds in the future haha x
I haven’t tried the Merlot version, but some of the other Dark Horse wines. The Cabernet Sauvignon is pretty good, but I have to give the Merlot a try!
Thanks,
I haven’t tried the Cabernet Sauvignon but I can vouch for the merlot and the rosé – both are amazing! Thanks for commenting x
Oooo this sounds so nice! While I know my white wines, I really struggle with red, so maybe I’ll try this!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
It’s become a go-to for me since I first tried it! If you like a rosé then I’d definitely recommend try the Dark Horse rosé as well 🙂 x