Is Merlot really that bad?

After "sideways" Patty has been afraid to order merlot in polite company. Here is an article about the subject.

"merlot

Something I think about, but was affraid to ask.

Thanks for having the courage to ask it for me, Tom. I still like it anyway!

Taste?

Are you supposed to care how it tastes? I never cared, just so long as it did the trick. I have the same feeling about decaffinated coffee and non-alcoholic beer--what's the point, right?

Strawberry Hill anyone?

merlot

I have had several Italian Merlots that I enjoyed.

Nice informative article.