2018 Jillian Kara Estate Cellar Select Napa Valley Merlot

Uncork any wine with the words “Napa Valley” on the label and guests are going to sit up and take notice. It may be a bit more famous for its blockbuster Cabernet, but Napa also makes magical Merlot—velvety-soft and incredibly food-friendly. This one hails from the highly rated 2018 vintage, which "could even prove to be a new benchmark for Napa Valley reds," writes expert James Suckling. A six-month slumber in expensive French oak barrels completes the inviting picture. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle (stocks are limited), you're in for intense aromas of cassis, black cherry, and cocoa that introduce a complex, beautifully structured palate of fleshy-ripe plums spiked with clove and toasty vanilla bean. Will be a real show-stopping partner for turkey, ham, or even prime rib.