Mechanical harvest at the end of september / beginning of october. Cold maceration prior to the fermentation according the quality of the grape. Slow alcoholic fermentation with temperature regulation. Pumping over 2 to 3 times a day then delestage. Smooth maceration during 3 weeks at 22 Celsius degrees. Ageing in cement vats with wooden dominos.

The high altitude Orange region is producing some outstanding Merlot and this release, made by Debbie Lauritz, is a great example. Aromas of dried herb and currant are supported with sweet fruit flavours.

Another terrific wine from Paul Mas. The nose shows lifted honeysuckle and white peach and the palate is juicy and well balanced with a long, smooth finish. Excellent example of the variety.

Leconfield Merlot has big and juicy dark fruits, soft tannins all supported by lovely French oak. Paul Gordon continues to produce a serious Merlot for a great price, year in, year out. His Merlot is also one that will benefit from a little sit in the medium term cellar.

A blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre that is simply world-class and has quality that sits well above its amazing price point! A lovely perfumed aroma with hints of violets is matched with supple plummy fruit flavour and soft persistent tannin on the palate.

Attractive blackcurrant fruit characters and a hint of mint are well matched with toasty oak to give a well rounded finish in this easy drinking blend which delivers outstanding value for money.

From the highly regarded wine making team at Pierro comes this more than worthy second label. Expressive red berry characters on the nose are intermingled with nuances of blood plum, and on the palate these flavours are underpinned by subtle oak.

This wine displays a sustained and brilliant colour of great depth. The nose has already evolved and shows blackcurrant and other black fruit aromas. On the palate tannins are soft and smooth, with a steady balance and a long, fresh finish. Aromas of fruit, tobacco and liquorice harmoniously blend with those from the oak, giving rise to flavours which coat the palate without roughness. Overall a tender wine which has passed through a spirited youth to reveal the elegance typical of Chantemerle's terroir.

Merlot has become popular because it offers a softness of texture while still providing ripe, plummy flavours. Wolf Blass come to the party here with an an easy drinking, fruity style of dry red.

Impressive intensity of fleshy blackcurrant and blueberry flavours framed by structured tannins, Paul Mas Cabernet Sauvignon is a gem found in the South of France with amazing value.