Wine adjectives and follow up questions

[younganduninformed]

Hello All,

I am a complete wine novice and thus picked up a bottle at the store that "looked good." (I can hear the snickers already.) Anyway, this was a 1999 Chateau Ste. Michelle and it tasted a little "syrupy."

So, Question #1:

What is the proper adjective for "syrupy?" I ask because I would like to ask what wines I might like better without sounding like a dilettante.

Secondly,

If I thought this wine tasted "syrupy," can anyone suggest something that is less "syrupy" (This is the problem: saying "less syrupy" sounds moronic.) I like the mild tartness of merlots and would love to find a decent bottle for around 15 dollars.

Thank you for any help.