Sometimes I just want an easy glass of wine. After a long day at the office, I want something familiar, comforting and consistent. For me, a go-to weeknight wine should also be a good value – so I can drink what I want and not worry about having to finish a “nice” bottle (or worrying what impact oxidation will have on any left over for the next night). At under $20 a bottle, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Indian Wells Merlots fit all of the above parameters. These Washington wines, which are typically blends of 85% Merlot and 15% Syrah, are consistently impressive, easy to drink reds that taste significantly more expensive than their price points.

These Merlots are sourced predominantly from Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Indian Wells vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, and are typical of the warmer-climate reds from that region. They’re usually aged in American and French oak, which balances their acidity and leads to supple, yet intensely-flavored, “sippable” reds.

In the case of the 2011 vintage, plenty of dark fruits, vanilla and a hint of cedar fill the nose, then flavors of blueberries, blackberries, bittersweet chocolate, rhubarb, vanilla and toasted oak follow on the palate. The 2011 is a medium to full-bodied offering with moderate tannins, which results in a tasty red wine that works wonders in smoothing out any harsh edges of a workday. (Just like Miles Davis.)

Suggested pairing:

Bye Bye Blackbird – Miles Davis & John Coltrane (1955)