Merlot has got the "soft" touch

Now what? Merlot is suffering because it is too soft on the palate?

"What should we work towards? Bicknell believes we have over-emphasised the "softness" of merlot. It's the first thing drinkers and producers alike associate with the grape, but it's turning merlot into sloppy, wishy-washy wines." (Ugly Sister Syndrome from SMH.com.au)

All kinds of ideas seem to be expressed about how to go about improving Merlot.