1997 Rosemount Estate Merlot, Southeastern Australia ($11.49).

OK, so there's nothing particularly complex about this medium-bodied Aussie merlot. It's packed with juicy black-cherry fruit; there are no "off" notes; the texture is soft and unchallenging. It's a merlot that won't cheat the consumer - and that's saying a lot these days.

Pub Date: 10/14/98