This week's wine pick is a 2002 Markham merlot from Napa Valley, which we sampled at a tasting at Shully's Cuisine and Events, 146 Green Bay Rd., Thiensville.

This is one of the bolder merlots I've sampled over the years and will not break the bank. Ranging in the low $20 range per bottle, expect heavy raspberry and loganberry undertones which go well with gamier meats like lamb or venison, where often I'd reach for a cabernet instead of a merlot. Here, the Markham is a perfect fit.

The 2000 Wine Spectator rating on this bottle was 86. And, like many of Markham's wines, this bottle is going to be one of your better buys for the price range.