Merlot is great and doesnt deserve the bad rap its gotten since Sideways came out. Today, this wine is big and plush with red and black plum notes mingled with baking spices. Give this wine 10 years and youll get a medley of stewed and dried fruits, baking spices, leather, and mocha. Bottle age will also give the tannins some time to chill out – theyre bold right out the gate. Pair with tender cuts of steak or a mushroom-based dish.