Shop Around—for Magnificent Merlot

When shopping around for a good Merlot, a good strategy is to look for those Merlot winemakers who specialize in the variety then ply their trade at different wineries or labels. If they make good merlot under one label, odds are they do well with another label.

One example is winemaker Robert Foley. Along with his own wines, Foley who makes Switchback Ridge ($57), he also developed the Paloma vineyard in Napa Valley which is known primarily for its merlot.

The major difference between California and Bordeaux (France) Merlots is that the California wines don't vary much because it's always warm and sunny. However, the quality of the Bordeaux wines seesaws wildly.

Also, before you shop, check out the critics' regularly updated vintage ratings.