Is merlot really passe??

[dandy_don]

I had an excellent dinner this weekend at a 5-star restaurant. My entrée was a wonderful rack of lamb. I ordered a 2001 Ruthorford Hill Merlot. It was the only merlot offered by the glass. I chose it because I had visited the winery last fall and always like to order from places I have been. I thought it was excellent.

Another couple was dining at the next table. Being a little nosey when they ordered their wine, I overheard the gentleman order a ’95 Bordeux and the lady a cab of some kind. Apparently he didn’t like the Bordeux because the waiter ( a different waiter than ours) came back and agreed their was too much sediment and offered to bring a different wine. The guy suggested “merlot”. The waiter’s response was that the merlot was awful and brought a pinot noir instead.

I thought this interesting as I was enjoying that “awful” merlot at the next table! Do I not know good wine from bad or did that waiter get his wine info from the movie “Sideways”?