Let me immediately admit that I know absolutely nothing about wines, unfortunately.

Have a friend that likes to use Merlot wine as a cooking wine.
Cooks lots of dishes with the addition of Merlot's, apparently.

Would like to buy him a present of a "decent" bottle of Merlot for his cooking.

Would appreciate some recommendation for a Merlot that would really make a very
good cooking wine; perhaps in the $10 to $15 per bottle range ?

Anything good for $10 ?

Would like to put the additional requirement on that it be available in the Boston area.

Much thanks,
Bob

- Columbia Crest Columiba Valley Grand Estates 2004, around $11

- Vina Santa Rita Merlot Maipo Valley Reserva 2005, around $12

- Yellowtail Merlot South Eastern Australia 2006, around $9

- Rex Goliath California Merlot (don't remember specific year), around $10

For a slightly higher recommendation that you might be able to find around $15-18, I'd go with the Gordon Merlot Columiba Valley 2005. Hope it helps.