Merlot wine is softer and warmer on the palate thanCabernet Sauvignon. Merlot has the advantage of being rich and supple but only moderately tannic and, therefore, wonderfully drinkable from early on. The Merlot grape is larger and thinner skinned than the Cabernet grape. It produces wine with a chewy, almost opulent texture. In the early 1970's, a handful of California wineries began experimenting with Merlot to soften, round out and add complexity to Cabernets. Almost simultaneously, winemakers discovered that Merlot was capable of yielding a wine that could stand on its own. Merlot has since emerged as a premium varietal in its own right and is becoming increasingly popular with consumers. Although it does not have the same firm backbone and structure of a Cab, Merlot yields a sensual, round wine that does not need the same care in aging. So it can be a spendidly pragmatic and commendable choice for many occasions. The most critically acclaimed Merlot wines are dark, rich and strong. Aromas include scents of plums, black cherry, toffee, chocolate, violets, orange and tea.