(4) Wines made from Merlot

• Our rating:
• Wine 101 style: soft
• Look for at: wine.com

This rosé from Valencia came home with me for two reasons. First, the wine is made from Bobal, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bobal is yet another grape in my quest for membership in De Long’s Wine Century Club. Second, the wine was recommended by my good friend Michael (not the Michael of this website) at Central Market. I can now add a third reason, it is a good rosé. With a pleasant nose of watermelon and plums and a mouth full of light red fruit and watermelon, this is a summer wine. It paired well with grilled quail. ($11)

• Our rating:
• Wine 101 style: smooth
• Look for at: wine.com

I found this California blend of Syrah, Merlot, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon at the HEB grocery store tonight for $8. I was super-excited to find such a great wine for the money until my girlfriend reminded me that it normally costs around $14. Oh well. The Joe Blow 2005 Red has a bit of pepper (from the Syrah), blackberry, tobacco, and chocolate on the nose, and rich fruit (from the Zin) in the mouth. With a medium-full body, mild tannins, and a touch of acid, this is a versatile house wine. The Joe Blow 2005 California White wine is very nice as well. ($12-14)

• Our rating:
• Wine 101 style: smooth
• Look for at: wine.com

I picked this wine up today from the store because I saw it was rated 90 points by Mr. Robert Parker, and why would anyone pass up a 90-pt Parker $10 wine — whether you like his taste or not. And I have to say, I liked this wine very much. The South Eastern Australian 2006 Roogle Red is 50% Shiraz, 30% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is aged in seasoned French and American oak for 12 months. Roogle Red is medium-full bodied, with dark but not super-ripe fruit, and healthy tannins and acid. This wine is from R Wines (of Dan Philips and Chris Ringland), which includes labels such as 3 Rings, Roogle, Evil, and Bitch. Buy this wine if you see it, or maybe pick up a half-case. ($9-10)

• Our rating:
• Wine 101 style: smooth
• Look for at: wine.com

Sideways did a lot to discourage Merlot sales, but this 2005 from Medoc might help folks get over their Merlot anxiety. Made from 50% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Cabernet Franc, this wine offers a nose of spiced cherries and cassis. In the glass, the dark red fruit is supported by an ample structure of fine grained tannin. Drink this wine tonight or hold it for a year or two to see what the 2005 vintage was all about. This wine is an inexpensive way to try a great vintage. ($17-22)

• Our rating:
• Wine 101 style: smooth
• Look for at: wine.com

This Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon is 89% Cab and 11% Merlot. Aged in French rather than American oak, this wine makes a nice choice for a cheap California Cabernet if you’re not that into oak. On the nose, there is plum and red fruit, mostly cherries, which follows through to the mouth. Pleasantly tannic with a bit of acid, this wine can be enjoyed alone or with a hearty dish. ($10)

• Our rating:
• Wine 101 style: sleek
• Look for at: wine.com

Triennes rosé is from the Var region in the South of France. The region is known for easy drinking rosé, and this blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Merlot fits the bill. For the money, this is my favorite rosé so far this year. The wine has a refreshing nose of candied red fruit and a great mouth feel. Medium bodied with good acid, a long finish, and only 12.5% alcohol, this wine is great for a hot summer day. ($15-18)

• Our rating:
• Wine 101 style: smooth
• Look for at: wine.com

Pedroncelli makes several affordable red wines that are easy on the palate. The 2003 Merlot is medium bodied with blueberry and black cherry flavors. The wine would make a good hamburger into a great meal.