Everyday wines

[wondersofwine]

Welcome to the board Fly.
As a general rule, the Cabernet Sauvignon is a more tannic grape than the Merlot, thus making most Cabs less approachable in their youth. The Zinfandels tend to be higher in alcohol percentage by volume than the cabs and merlots so may sometimes taste "hot" from alcohol but are not necessarily very tannic. I agree that Pinot Noir is towards the lighter end of the scale as a general rule although some are vinified in a style that makes them medium- to full-bodied. I might place Syrah above Merlot as more full-bodied.