What does everyone recommend for their best merlot? I’ve become a huge merlot fan lately and want to try out different brands. Not looking for anything too expensive though... (76 replies, last updated by Bill Hunt October 23, 2008)

likes Pinot Noir, Merlot and a South African wine that is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. He really enjoys wine with a strong berry flavor. I’m looking for something in the $15-20 range, but lower is okay. I... (15 replies, last updated by ChrissyMc November 21, 2009)

Just returned from three days in Monterey/Carmel and thanks to many of you on the board, had some great meals and experiences. We hit up Ticos in Marina for lunch on Friday; husband had the Monte Cristo and I had the grilled... (2 replies, last updated by Amuse Bouches March 22, 2007)

of Monterey). In fact, Passionfish was even better, and more creative. I was amazed and impressed. First, the wine list was obviously put together by someone with a passion for wine. Every page of the list featured rare and... (2 replies, last updated by Jonathan King August 5, 2002)

hi, heading down to the monterey area with my parents in a month, and was wondering if anyone had any insight into interesting wineries in the region or on the way. my father particularly likes big Bordeaux-style reds, but i have... (10 replies, last updated by Ruth Lafler September 7, 2001)

, Chardonnay, Bourgogne, France BevMo, Bayshore $22 Black Box, Chardonnay, Monterey County $22 Black Box, Merlot, Sonoma County $20 Delicato Bota Box, Merlot (BevMo has many other Bota Box varietals, too) Safeway, Potrero x 16th $25... (0 replies, last updated by eloucks August 2, 2009)

The Daly City, SOMA and Masonic branches of TJ in San Francisco are selling the 1999 Villa Mt. Eden Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah for $2.99 a bottle. For that price, it is an excellent deal. It is as good as the Seven... (3 replies, last updated by svL November 18, 2004)

favorite from Berkeley Bowl which are large, juicy and sweet green grapes with lots of crunch. Today Berkeley Bowl’s best were large red Holiday grapes, Kioho grapes and Merlot. Other grapes included Autumn King, Kyoho, Peony,... (2 replies, last updated by singleguychef October 7, 2009)

Santa Cruz $25 '03 Barbino Ca $35 '03 Merlot - Razorback Estate $45 '03 Cabaret Savignon $50 Under $12 tasting menu: '05 Chardonnay Langley Hill Vineyard $45 Sorry, didn’t catch the rest. 2 bathrooms near the tasting area. I... (1 reply, last updated by wolfe November 13, 2008)

on the General Topics board) was limited to just two of the current offerings: Monterey County Chardonnay and Sonoma County Merlot. For Franzia, the “Chablis” is a neutral, cleanly made white wine with decent acid... (16 replies, last updated by sugartoof September 21, 2009)

Two months ago I tried about six different bag in box wines from Hardy’s and Black Box. The best two to my palate were both from Black Box – the Monterey County Chardonnay and the Sonoma County Merlot. I was really... (17 replies, last updated by DivaSheila January 28, 2009)

At the last minute we decided to spend the night in Monterey after meeting friends on vacation from LA for dinner in Carmel. Here’s a brief report of where we ate... Davenport Roadhouse – Davenport – On the drive... (3 replies, last updated by Carb Lover June 1, 2007)

I’m assuming you’re referring to the big two, Sonoma & Napa. (However, Santa Cruz, Monterey, El Dorado/Placerville, and Amador are all wonderful if slightly less attention grabbing wine regions within close range of... (5 replies, last updated by jenalr February 13, 2003)

Merlot you mention would certainly work. So, too, would wines like Pinot Noir ($16.99 and under): Castle Rock Chalone Monterey Co. (not their Estate — too much $$$) Estancia Fleur de Carneros Gallo of Sonoma Jekel Kenwood Ramsay... (40 replies, last updated by Bill Hunt September 20, 2007)

I’d recommend Marimar Torres Pinot and Chard Groth Cab and Merlot Miner petite syrah Roccioli (sp? it’s been a while since I’ve had it, it’s hard to find and expensive) Tres Sabores Anything by Flowers Duckhorn... (10 replies, last updated by sebastianxy November 11, 2005)