The story behind Black Oak
Black Oak takes its name from a century-old deciduous oak standing on the Manning family's Sonoma County vineyard property, bark deeply furrowed and moss so dark it reads black. Corey Manning created the label more than 20 years ago, and Chateau Diana in Healdsburg, run by three generations of the family, still owns and operates it. The Russian River Valley fruit goes into a medium-bodied Merlot built for the table, not the trophy case.
We have poured this one across the counter for years because it behaves: cocoa and ripe blueberry up front, then plum, strawberry jam, black cherry and a lick of spicy barrel toast. Fine tannins keep the finish supple. At 13.3% it is a red you can open on a Tuesday and finish without ceremony.
Explore the Black Oak range
Six Black Oak bottlings we keep in Commack, from the Merlot that started the conversation to larger formats for a crowd.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Oak Merlot 750mL | Merlot | 26.6 (13.3% ABV) | Cocoa, blueberry, plum, black cherry, supple tannin |
| Black Oak Merlot 1.5L | Merlot | 26.6 (13.3% ABV) | Same smooth red, double format for the table |
| Black Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L | Cabernet Sauvignon | Not stated | Firmer red fruit, built for grilled and braised meat |
| Black Oak Pinot Noir 750mL | Pinot Noir | Not stated | Lighter red, bright cherry, easy with roast chicken |
| Black Oak Chardonnay 1.5L | Chardonnay | Not stated | Round white, orchard fruit, party size pour |
| Black Oak White Zinfandel 750mL | White Zinfandel | Not stated | Off dry pink, strawberry, serve well chilled |
WineBlack Oak - Merlot 750mL$9.98Out of stock
WineBlack Oak - Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L$12.99Out of stock
WineBlack Oak - Merlot 1.5L$12.99Out of stock
WineBlack Oak - Chardonnay 1.5L$12.99Out of stock
WineBlack Oak - White Zinfandel 750mL$8.99Out of stock
Pinot NoirBlack Oak - Pinot Noir 750mL$9.99Which Black Oak is right for you?
Black Oak Merlot 750mL runs $9.98, and the 1.5L is $12.99, so the big bottle costs barely more than the small one. That is the whole argument for this label: a Sonoma County red at a grocery price that still tastes like Merlot. The Pinot Noir sits at $9.99, White Zinfandel at $8.99, and both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay 1.5L are $12.99. Buy Black Oak Merlot online for pickup or local delivery, or walk in and we will hand you a bottle.
One bottle, $9.98, enough for the stew and the glass beside it.
Double format at $12.99 keeps a barbecue crowd poured without a second run.
Plum and barrel toast against deep dish pepperoni, no fuss, no ceremony.