Anyone who saw the movie Sideways remembers the quote about merlot. We won’t repeat it here (we are a family website), but it was one of the funnier parts of the movie. And it was pretty disparaging to merlot. What is somewhat comical, is that it actually hurt merlot sales.

I have never been a merlot fan. By the time I started really enjoying wine, the merlot fad was in full bloom and most of the merlots that I could afford were awful. Now that merlot has lost its shine (and I think it still has, even 3-4 years out from the movie), there actually seem to be a few good merlot offerings in the marketplace. Conversely, you can buy some really terrible pinot noir bottles now.

One of my favorite merlots to drink now is the 2004 Columbia Crest Grand Estate Merlot. For the price - about $12 at my local store - you get a rich, smooth merlot that is full of fruit. Great ripe plum nose, with hints of chocolate. Deep ruby red in color. I cannot remember the last time I had a merlot that was this good. And at $12/bottle (you can get it cheaper in most states) it is a real bargain. Stick to the Grand Estates though, the regular stuff is adequate but nothing to get excited about. And, yes, Wine Spectator ranked it very high, and that’s great. Yippie for them.

We have paired it with lamb chops, prime rib, and pepperoni pizza. Because we’re that kind of a house.