As you may have noticed, Eric Asimov’s column (and blog post) today focuses on merlot. He even mentions a locally produced bottling — Lenz 2000 Old Vines Merlot, which I think is one of the best to be had (though pricey at $55 or so). His blog post highlights mainly California merlot, which if you ask me is like talking about the fresh seafood in Indiana. Remember this: Merlot is not dead. She just doesn’t live in California. Living on Long Island and writing so much about its wines, you’d expect me to be fully in merlot’s court, but the…