Cheap Merlots or Pinot Noirs for the Beginner?

[dananne]

In my opinion, it's far easier to find a decent cheapie Merlot than a cheapie Pinot. You don't have to look much farther than Washington State -- Merlots from Chateau St. Michelle, Snoqualmie, and Columbia Crest are all below $10, reliable, and good options. For Pinot, my favorites at or below $15 are A by Acacia and Queen of Hearts, both from California. Another, A to Z from Oregon, seems more up-and-down from year to year.

I do have to admit that most lower-priced Pinots lack varietal characteristics and/or are pretty grim. Therefore, I've basically replaced the low-end Pinots in my cellar with 2005 Beaujolais Cru and Villages. They tend to work with the same foods, and they are great when the weather gets warmer.