Nicely priced and quite delicious. Think cheese. Lots of cheese. A Bordeaux blend of 89% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Gros Verdot, 2% Petite Sirah, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Online $24.99.

I’ve been on a Merlot kick this holiday season and Rutherford has certainly helped me put on my happy fat suit. This wine is the perfect example of why Rutherford Hill is truly the King of the Merlots! Smooth and full. This wine goes with more than my sassy red boots. And cheaper too, at $18.59 a bottle you can stock up big time or use the extra to stock up on glassware! I’ve recently delved into the world or Reidel and Spiegaleu and I’m a much better person for it! Is that lint or are those spots on my glass? I can’t tell and I don’t remember. At least I don’t think that interferes with the taste.

I’ve been on a Merlot kick the past few days, and this is one on the nicer Merlots I’ve had in a while. I wish I had some fancy pants terms like “exhibits loads of black cherries, currants, chocolate, mocha, and caramel”, but I don’t. I just like it and you will too. I believe the 2005 vintage is out of stock, but I hear the 2006 is just as good. Around $35.00.