Open Merlot 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara, Ontario, Canada: A resolutely delicious wine that delivers a core of plushy ripe plums and berries. The texture is so supple and slippery good. This versatile, switch-hitter wine is perfect for parties when you're not sure of everyone's taste in vino. It's also excellent for movie night, except of course, if you're watching Sideways. Miles obviously didn't try this wine. 140129 12.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. July 11, 2009 Full Review

Union Wines Pinot Noir Cabernet, Merlot Gamay Noir 2007, V.Q.A., Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada: Good value for this supple, medium- to full-bodied red with dark cherry-berry flavours and aromas. This would be a crowd pleaser at a party. Drink: 2010-2014. 197152 12.50% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 87/100. July 23, 2010 Full Review

Open Cab2-Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011, Ontario, Canada: A mouth-filling red with layers of fleshy blackberries, blackcurrant and a lick of vanilla spice. This full-bodied number delivers lots of hedonistic pleasure for those who enjoy instant gratification. (Translation: You don't need to cellar this bottle!) The price is amazing for such a well-made wine. Perfect for potluck gatherings, book clubs and evenings when you want to wear your faded jeans. Pair with: pepper steak, lamb with rosemary, tacos, fajitas. Drink: 2012-2014. 134957 12%  750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. October 31, 2012 Best Beef Wine Full Review

JP Chenet Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2012, Languedoc, France: A simple, smooth, medium-bodied French red wine blend of Cabernet and Merlot. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2012-2015. 621995 12.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 82/100. August 3, 2014 Full Review

La Belle Angele Merlot 2015, France: A solid southern French Merlot, especially at this price. Smooth and medium-bodied with aromas and flavours of black and purple plums. Perfect for meat lovers pizza. Drink: 2015-2018. 470039 13% D 750 mL  $10.95 Score: 86/100. March 3, 2017 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Barton & Guestier Partager Domaine La Gardie Merlot 2013, Languedoc Pays d'Oc IGP, France: A smooth, full-bodied red wine with purple plum aromas and some oak. A little stemmy and unripe, but nonetheless decent value for this price. This wine comes from the southern French region of the Languedoc. Pair with grilled hamburgers. Drink: 2013-2016. 251082 13.50% D 750 mL  $9.95 Score: 82/100. April 1, 2015 Full Review

Cesari Merlot 2007, I.G.T. Veneto, Italy: An amazingly great wine for the price. A full-bodied, smooth red with aromas of ripe plums and blackberries. Drink: 2009-2012. 572453 12% XD 750 mL  $7.45 Score: 89/100. July 15, 2008 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Salento Primitivo - Flaio 2006, Italy  12.50%  750 mL  $12.94. March 1, 2012 Full Review

Ponte Pellegrino Greco Di Tufo 2015, Campania I.G.T., Italy: A briny, floral, zesty Italian white wine that's light-bodied and perfect for shellfish or seafood. Drink: 2015-2018. 477760 12.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. February 9, 2017 Best Value White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine Full Review