Ghost Pines Merlot
California Merlot blended across counties for a velvety pour.
The story behind Ghost Pines
Ghost Pines traces back to 1964, when Louis P. Martini bought 178 acres in the eastern hills of Napa Valley. The property took its name from the grey foothill pines that hover like ghosts at dusk. Today Ghost Pines is a standalone winemaker's blend label within the E. & J. Gallo portfolio.
The Merlot carries that same no boundaries idea. Roughly 95% Merlot, rounded with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from Napa, Sonoma and Lake counties. The winemakers cross appellation lines on purpose, blending for flavor rather than geography. Dried black cherry, licorice and espresso lead into cocoa and toasty oak.
Explore the Ghost Pines range
Six bottlings under the Ghost Pines umbrella, all California, all blended across counties. The Merlot anchors the lineup; the rest cover cab, zin, chardonnay and pinot.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghost Pines Merlot 750mL | Merlot | 14 to 14.5% ABV | Black cherry, licorice, espresso, cocoa, toasty oak |
| Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL | Cabernet Sauvignon | 14 to 14.5% ABV | Dark fruit, firm tannin, oak spice |
| Ghost Pines Zinfandel 750mL | Zinfandel | 14 to 14.5% ABV | Jammy berry, pepper, warm finish |
| Ghost Pines Red Blend 750mL | Red Blend | 14 to 14.5% ABV | Layered dark fruit, cocoa, soft tannin |
| Ghost Pines Pinot Noir 750mL | Pinot Noir | 14 to 14.5% ABV | Red cherry, earth, light oak |
| Ghost Pines Chardonnay 750mL | Chardonnay | 14 to 14.5% ABV | Ripe apple, vanilla, buttery mid palate |
CabernetGhost Pines - Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL$15.99Out of stock
WineGhost Pines - Zinfandel 750mL$17.99Out of stock
WineGhost Pines - Red Blend 750mL$18.99Out of stock
ChardonnayGhost Pines - Chardonnay 750mL$17.99Out of stock
Pinot NoirGhost Pines - Pinot Noir 750mL$19.99Out of stock
MerlotGhost Pines - Merlot 750mL$16.99Which Ghost Pines is right for you?
Pricing sits where a serious California red should. Ghost Pines Merlot 750mL runs $16.99 here, the Cabernet Sauvignon $15.99, Chardonnay and Zinfandel $17.99 each, the Red Blend $18.99, and Pinot Noir $19.99. That is the $17 to $25 retail tier the brand occupies nationally, and we hold the low end of it. Buy Ghost Pines online and pick it up curbside in Commack, or take local delivery across Nassau and Suffolk.
Plush tannins and cocoa notes stand up to pork loin and shepherd's pie without a decant.
Jammy fruit and pepper handle barbecue sauce and charred ribs at $17.99.
A layered, crowd pleasing red at $18.99 that suits a host who never says what they like.
Ghost Pines cocktails and pairings
Serve the Merlot slightly cool, 60 to 65 degrees, to keep the fruit bright against those plush tannins.