Now that merlots are so popular, I've found this one to be particularly popular when I throw a party or have people over for dinner. I've yet to have any of my guests say anything but good things about it -- and I must say, I rather do like it myself! Quite a good value for the money. Make sure you get the "Vintner's Reserve" -- there are several different types of K-J merlot, haven't tried the higher end, but this one is really good for its price point.

You can't go wrong with the KJ merlots. The vintner's reserve is very good but also try the grand reserve merlot it is also very good. K-J puts out great wine and easy on the wallet.

Steady bottle to bottle...reserved, fruit action (Dick Button comes to mind)...good for the price

I'll gladly pay $8 for a mass-produced California Merlot, but once you get into this price range, there are some real estate-bottled offerings that outshine KJ. The wine is OK, a bit fruity, with an artificial cherry/berry after-taste - it's an average wine for the average wine drinker- a C-student if you will. Check out Muirwood or Coastal Peak if you shop Total Wine- they are both less expensive and far superior in the glass. As for the previous reviewer: If your benchmark of quality is finding a wine that party guests don't say anything bad about, you need to raise your standards.