Smooth Merlot

[newsguy]

although i think the best bargain in merlot by far is the 1998 Columbia Crest Grand Estates at $10-11 a bottle, that wine might be a little "too big" for your tastes. For very fruit-forward easy sipping merlots, i can heartily recommend Clos du Bois, whose merlot typically goes for around $16-17 a bottle. good luck!