Still another

[hotwine]

1999 Maison Nicolas VdP d'OC Merlot, $4.99 at Sam's. I thought this one had to be plonk at the price, but was very pleasantly surprised last night when we tried it with smothered roundsteak, mashers and steamed veggie medley. Tastes like it's spent its short life in stainless steel and glass, with no trace of noticeable wood. A nose of clean fruit, a lot more fruit on the tongue-tip, and a softness across the palate that belies its modest origins, with a very pleasant finish. Really tough to beat for a 5-buck vin ordinaire! Picked up a few more today, along with more of the Nicolas Chardonnay and Berteau CdR.