Thanks for the quick responses to Merlot at Midnight!

[DANNE]

My friend has talked about Merlot and Zinfandel. He seems to like mild to moderately sweet wines, red or white. Again,
thanks for the help! DANNE

[Innkeeper]

Without getting into the technicalities of what makes a quaffer versus a food wine let me recommend a Bordeaux. The 2000 vintage is just beginning to be released. There are numerous small chateaux and wines bottled by negotiants that sell for well under $20 (closer to $10) and are immediately approachable (don't have to be aged). Most of these will say Appellation Bordeaux Controllee. For wines that are heavier in merlot look for lower price bottlings of St Emilion, Pomerol, or Lelande de Pomerol.

[Drew]

I would suggest that you peruse the threads for Merlot and Zinfandel for good recommendations. One Zin that I enjoyed recently was the Peachy Canyon "Incredable Red" Zin, $15. Also at a lower price point but very tasty is Marietta old vine red, around $10.

Drew