Merlot 101

Can someone recommend a good "BUTTERY" Merlot?

I'm always on the search for a soft, buttery merlot. Not bitter, not tart. Sweet and buttery.

Public Comments

1. Gary Farrell, Niebaum-Coppolla.. Pick something high-end.. I discovered my favorite Merlots by going to a wine tasting at your local wine shop, or going visit a winery.
2. I just finished taking a free e course from the culinary institute of america on wine ( check it out -prochef.com there are several free courses) they were talking about cabernets which are very closse to Merlots- they say the French ones are much richer than the California wines- older vines.
3. Velvet texture is the word, not buttery. Clos LeChance is a nice medium priced Napa cabernet that comes to mind.
4. Merlot is probably one of the worst values in wine. Why? Everyone knows merlot and too many people flock to it. Supply and demand. Can I recommend something other than merlot? A sweet, slightly sparkling red wine (it's not as carbonated as champagne): Brachetto d'acqui (About $15). A soft fruity (but not sweet) red wine: try a beaujolais (french). Closer to a merlot: rioja (spanish blend/region)or tempranillo (spanish grape).