Newbie to Merlot

[Innkeeper]

You have to keep in mind that all Bordeaux wines are blends, both red and white. New world blends are more popular in Oz and Chile than in the U.S. American blends tend to be the more expensive Meritage blends.

With rare exception, I prefer merlot in blends better than straight or varietal. Australia does a better job than Chile, but if you are going the Chilian route the blends are better than both merlot and cabernet sauvignon straight; most of the time.