Continuing my kick about merlot that I started in earlier posts part I and part II, according to the indispensable book The Wine Lover's Companion by Ron and Sharon Herbst:
In French, the word Merlot means "young blackbird," probably alluding to the grape's beautiful dark-blue color.
Probably a little extra blackbird 'residuals' (stop me if I lose you with the technical terms) produces 
Chateau Petrus, one of the world's most expensive red wines which is normally 100% merlot (with a little cab franc for good measure). Consider that next time someone tries to beat you down with the over-used "Sideways" quote ...
