In general, there are two types of merlot: the round, fruity, velvet style that lured millions of people to red wine over the last 10-12 years, and the type that pleased those of us who were enjoying red wine while everyone else was tossing back Bartles and Jaymes wine coolers. This drinks like the latter, with some of the "bennies" of the former.

The deep purple red color is mated to a strawberry and plum nose that quickly assumes an overripe berry characteristic. The legs strolling purposefully down the side of the glass show some interesting viscosity. The front of the mouth flavors are plum, cherry and cocoa at the very first, but stretch into a lean and spicy marathon runner that drives on to a longer-than-expected acid infused finish. I must note that the middle is a little conflicted between the spice, oak, and fruit, but this gem is proof that a dual personality is a good thing.

This is a great middle-of-the road red that will please your crazy sister-in-law, and your computer geek neighbor at the same time. Buy two bottles so you can have some, too.

Craig Pierce, clubhouse manager of Baker Hill Golf Club, can be reached at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it