The story behind Mcmanis
Ron and Jamie McManis founded McManis Family Vineyards in 1990, but the family has been farming northern California ground since 1938. The Merlot comes mostly from the Lodi AVA in the Central Valley, with select lots from the surrounding San Joaquin Valley, and the vineyards carry Lodi Rules sustainable certification.
The winery in Ripon runs big, yet the Merlot gets small lot treatment: fruit picked around 24.8 to 26.8 Brix, fermented on skins 6 to 9 days, finished in stainless steel, then aged 6 months in new and used French and American oak. A little Petit Verdot, Teroldego and Petite Sirah rounds out the blend.
Explore the Mcmanis range
Four McManis bottlings sit on our shelf, all in the same honest value tier. The Merlot leads, with red and white stablemates close behind.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McManis Merlot 750mL | Red wine, Merlot | 13.5% ABV | Plum, vanilla, toast; 6 months French and American oak |
| McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL | Red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon | 13.5% ABV | Dark cherry, cocoa, firm tannin; oak aged |
| McManis Petite Sirah 750mL | Red wine, Petite Sirah | 13.5% ABV | Inky, peppery, bold blackberry; sturdy structure |
| McManis Viognier 750mL | White wine, Viognier | 13.5% ABV | Apricot, honeysuckle, soft acidity; stainless fermented |
| McManis Merlot 750mL | Red wine, Merlot | 13.9% ABV | Recent vintage variation; riper fruit, same oak frame |
Which Mcmanis is right for you?
McManis Merlot 750mL runs $10.99 here, and the Cabernet Sauvignon is $11.99. The Petite Sirah and Viognier also sit at $10.99, so a mixed four pack lands near $45. That is the point of this label: Lodi fruit, six months in French and American oak, Lodi Rules sustainable certification, and a price that lets you pour a second glass without doing math. Wine Enthusiast gave the 2022 Merlot 92 points and a Best Buy nod, and the portfolio has collected more than 70 Best Buy honors since 1998.
Soft oak and plum at $10.99, no ceremony required with dinner.
$11.99, enough tannin and dark fruit to stand up to char.
Inky and peppery at $10.99, built for steak and short ribs.