For those of you who are employed, what is it you do for a living

That order exactly. Syrah is my fav.

I actually prefer a merlot. Meh.

I like a spicy sirah/shiraz best, closely followed by a lighter/fruitier pinot noir. Then chianti followed by merlot.

I've never really cared for cabernets.

I like all three, but probably couldn't tell the difference in a blind taste test.

I seem to be developing an allergy to wine that gets my sinuses stuffed up, so that doesn't help.

Electronic engineer.

And when I want wine, I call a Cab.

It's more than likely the histamines in the the wine you are reacting to. I find I get this seasonally. If allergies are acting up for me I can't drink reds. But when my allergies aren't on alert I'm fine.

Awesome, what do you work with.

Interesting. For hundreds of years sipping red wine has been a cure for sea sickness. I wonder if it's somehow related.

My favorite reds come from Northern Italy -- Barbera and Dolceto, or if I'm feeling wealthy, a Barolo. I've also been enjoying Cab-Shiraz blends lately (Shiraz is Australian for Syrah). Another great Syrah based wine IMO is Cotes-du-Rhone, which is Syrah, Grenache, and usually three or four more blended together. I usually like my reds earthy or acidic, but for something lighter, a Pinot Noir or a Tmpranillo are both enjoyable.