Please help me out

[Innkeeper]

Hi Match, and welcome to the Wine Board. Don't worry about not liking merlot. Most American and other New World merlot is one dimentional, often being overwhelmed by oak.

Try Western American syrah. There are some great ones from Washington State, Oregon, and parts of California such as the Central Coast. They should meet all your requirements. Hopefully you are looking for a table wine to have with food. The Port, which is wonderful, is a dessert wine.