Wine without pretense – and the 2004 Merlot disaster May 11, 2014Funny-ish, Home1961 Chateau Cheval Blanc, Alexander Payne, Cabernet Franc, merlot, Paul Giamatti, pinot noir, pretentiousness, red wine, Sideways, Thomas Haden Church, wine By Ned White The movie “Sideways” was an ode to Pinot Noir and a smackdown of Merlot. Were they kidding? To a degree, yes. And a simple approach to wine: if you like it, drink it.