Merlot Defended

Where is Rod Smith based? Not in California, I hope, with the cliched view about the uniformity of California wines that was the theme of his article (“The French Difference,” March 29). And what a palate: There’s no difference between a “big, fat Syrah” and a “big, fat Merlot?” And has there ever been a “big, fat Merlot?” Send this dude to the showers.

PETER McANDREWS

Santa Monica