Merlot is the most darling of the wine varietals. It is soft and moderately textured. Merlots are so easy to enjoy and drink. This month, I will feature an engaging selection of drinkable red wines which include top value California Merlots, and Pinot Noir from California and Oregon. Note: The wines are listed in approximate order of their flavor and weight intensity- from lighter to fuller Merlot Wine Recommendations WENTE VINEYARDS, 2004 MERLOT, ARROYO SECO $12-$14 Bursting with aromas of herbal tea, licorice and blackberry with hints of spices and oak. Supple and full-bodied. Tasting of plum. cherry, truffles, spicy oak, blueberry and tobacco. 15,000 cases. 87% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Barbera, 1% Zinfandel. Drink through 2008. RAVENSWOOD, 2004 MERLOT, SONOMA COUNTY $19-$21 Bright and full-bodied. This Merlot features the flavors of plum, raspberries, black olives, black currant, vanilla and oak. Supple and richly textured. Drink through 2009. J. LOHR, 2004 MERLOT, LOS OSOS, PASO ROBLES $16-$18 Intense and aromatic. The J.Lohr 2004 Merlot is fleshy and adequately rich. It features flavors of blueberry, cherry fruit with slight tar and anise spice tones. 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec. Drink through 2009. MINER, 2004 MERLOT, STAGECOACH VINEYARD, NAPA VALLEY $35-$38 Features an excellent combination of blackberries, coffee, and dried spices. Full-bodied, firm and delicately oaked. Possess subtle tannins and long aftertaste. 14% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. 1,401 cases. Drink through 2010. NICKEL & NICKEL, 2004 MERLOT, SUSCOL RANCH, NAPA VALLEY $55-$58 Fleshy and rich. This Merlot is brimming with vanilla bean and dry leaf scents, dark fruit and cranberry flavors. Powerful and long on the palate. Full-bodied and subtle tannic finish. 821 cases. Drink through 2010. Pinot Noir Wine Recommendations MORGAN, 2005 PINOT NOIR, TWELVE CLONES, SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS $28-$30 Ripe and intensely flavored. This wine displays an appealing combination of strawberry, blueberry, plum, red currant and spices. Very aromatic and distinct. Full bodied and long persistent finish. 70% from Double L Vineyard. 12,000 cases. Drink through 2009. WILD HORSE, 2005 PINOT NOIR, CENTRAL COAST $23-$25 Luscious. Features aromas of cherry, vanilla and earth. It tastes of dried cherry cinnamon spice, clove and plum. Supple and well-balanced wine. 55,618 cases. Drink through 2008. ALMA ROSA, 2005 PINOT NOIR, SANTA RITA HILLS $33-$35 Fruit-forward. Bursting with strawberry, raspberry, plum, toast, clove and tobacco flavors. Well-balanced with subtle tannic texture. Drink through 2008. PARAISO, 2005 PINOT NOIR, SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS $22-$24 Rich and full-bodied. This pinot is intense and spicy with flavors of raspberry, blueberry, plum and spicy oak. Possessing delectable balance and restraint. MACMURRAY RANCH, 2004 PINOT NOIR, SANTA RITA HILLS $28-$30 Reveals flavors of plum, cherry, black currant, kola nut, tobacco, toast and earthy undertones. Full-bodied, crisp and moderately rich. 400 cases. Drink through 2009.