Let's talk wine

[Tobus]

For some reason I can't fully explain, I have started preferring a glass of wine in the evening instead of beer, ale, or spirits. My taste buds prefer red wines, from pinot noir to cabernet sauvignon, but centered in merlot territory.

I am not a wine connoisseur, and wouldn't consider myself very educated on wines in general. But I'm interested in trying different brands and types. Got any recommendations on decent brands?

My favorite so far is Mark West, but it's a little pricy for everyday consumption at $17 per liter, and the bottle only lasts two days with my wife and I both drinking it. We've been subsisting on a boxed wine (eye roll for effect) that's $16 for 3 liters. It's not that great, but it's drinkable.