Also important to note... room temperature 72 degrees f. is not really room temperature. Original room temperature was down in the high 50's so even the big reds deal well with a little chill. There is a restaurant in Vegas call 55degrees which is a play on the "perfect" temperature to store and serve wine. I still prefer white a little colder and reds around 60. It is indeed preference.
I would not go just merlot on your first time out. I would save up a little and get a few different ones to compare and figure out your tastes that way your second venture will be more enlightened. Maybe a cheap 05 Bordeaux ($13), they can get exorbinately expensive but if your drinking it right away as opposed to aging it the cheap one will taste plenty good enough particularily to a beginner, then maybe a Tannat ($20) which will be taste of berries and will give you an idea of how much you like those flavors. Cabernet Sav. is kinda looked at as big dog and you might run into tannins and they're all over the place in price but expect to pay at around 20 for something decent. Shiraz/Syrah is great from Australia and the Petit Syrah from California rocks but this wine is very peppery so I usually reserve it for when I make steak au poive or am eating something bold and flavorful.
Hope this helped. Cheers
