1999 Ferrari-Carano Merlot

[wondersofwine]

To give recommendations it helps to know if you like full-bodied or lighter wines and the price range you prefer. One of my favorite cru Beaujolais is Fleurie, and a 1999 or 2000 should be drinking well. I have more experience with Australian shiraz than with French or American Syrah. In the less expensive category, I like Rosemount Hill of Gold Mudgee Shiraz. In a $30-$40 range I like Jones "LJ" Shiraz or Kay "Hillside" Shiraz among others. Most cabernet sauvignon wines improve with a little age. (WW is drinking 1994 cabernet now). Since it would be hard to find (and expensive) to obtain 1994 vintage, you might try a few from 1998. Not a great vintage, but less tannic, and therefore ready to drink sooner. Sequoia Grove and Robert Mondavi Napa Valley cabernet sauvignons are two I've had from 1998 that are drinkable now. Sterling is another. Pinot Noir wines vary so much in the U.S. and people's tastes for styles vary too so I hesitate to recommend them. I personally like Byron Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley, CA) in the less than $30 range, and Siduri Pisoni Pinot Noir and some Oregon pinot noirs in the $40-$50 range. Argyle Pinot Noir from Oregon is under $20 a bottle (if not the reserve or specific vineyard) and is a very nice one. Innkeeper recommends the Robert Talbott Logan Pinot Noir from the Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, under $20 a bottle. Let us know what reds you try and enjoy and that may lead to further recommendations.