We Californians seem to like ripeness and power in our wines. We like our Chardonnays rich and unctuous. We like our Cabernets to be full-bodied and full of flavor. We have encouraged the wineries to ...

FRANCE - OCTOBER 02: Ripe Merlot grapes on ancient vine at famous Chateau Petrus wine estate at Pomerol in Bordeaux region of France (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) Summer’s gone, fall is upon us ...

After last week’s column about a top-value California cabernet sauvignon, it seemed only logical to tell you about a first-rate, $12 California merlot that will impress you with its complexity.

Merlot is often overshadowed by its more distinguished blending partner, cabernet sauvignon. For centuries, merlot has been the preferred blending partner for cabernet around the world. Its role is ...

If it was wrong, how could it feel sooo right? Is there a more purely delicious red wine in the world than a great Merlot? Or one more caressingly generous--like falling into the perfumed arms of a ...

The world of wine can seem daunting, making many people hesitant to pop open a bottle and tip a glass of the grape-inspired creation. The jargon used in wine tasting can seem just as overwhelming to ...

But if you look closer, there are princesses in some of these bottles. The best Australian Cabernets are wines of elegance and refinement. They don't squawk for attention like Cinderella's sisters (or ...

Used to be California was the place to look for the Next Big Thing. But then there was Starbucks, and then there was grunge, and now there is merlot, and California can eat our dust. Merlot, for those ...