I like just about anything Kendall Jackson makes. Their merlot is rich and smoky in taste - it just might be to your liking, too. Yellowtail also has a nice merlot.
Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I’ve now got a list of what to look for.
You may want to browse through this thread for other value wine suggestions.
Not much new to offer here that wasn’t discussed in that thread or here. Perrin Reserve, Folie a Deux Menage a Trois, Las Rocas Garnacha, Marques de Caceras Rioja (and Rioja Rose), Bogle Petit Sirah are all repeat guests to my wine rack. Incidentally, the 2005 Yellowtail Reserve Shiraz mentioned earlier made #72 in Wine Spectator’s Top Exciting Wines of 2007 (although I have yet to try it).