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I am so excited about Californian wine production - it’s always a thrill to see these wines on our shores. This is pinot with power - smokey and meaty at the fore, which gives way to a dried cherry and pink flower potpourri and sweet baking spice. On the palate it’s silky smooth and delightfully shapely with some punchy acidity give the wine real get-up-and-go. This isn’t so much lithe and supple as it is round in the mouth; almost (but not quite) enough to be stepping outside the bounds of varietal typicity. Structured and bold but ethereal none the less.

The pride of Michelini stable, this Merlot was sourced from the mature Buckland vineyard. On the nose it offers violet fruit characters supported by vanilla oak and a solid mid palate weight and flavour with soft fruit tannins and firm oak finish.

Pete Bissell from Balnaves consistently produces Cabernet of highest order and this little beauty that falls under the $20 mark is just perfect as a cellar starter. Gentle mintiness on the nose. Dusty tannins frame a fantastic medium weighted structured wine. Lovely fruit intensity terrific with BBQ lamb or all on its own.

Shottesbrooke Merlot from the well drained McLaren Vale is a wonderfully full flavoured, deep and vibrant red wine. Medium body, typical of the variety, combined with fine tannins and a smooth finish, this makes an ideal food accompaniment for poultry and Italian dishes.

A pioneer of Merlot, James Irvine has produced an attractive plump style with leafy plum and mulberry flavours. The perfect match with crown of lamb.

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.

A vibrant bouquet of black fruits, tobacco and cedar with hints of chocolate and roasted coffee. The palate has the wonderful intensity of Cabernet flavour with fine French oak contributing polished structural tannins. The addition of Merlot and Malbec completes the picture, adding the complexity of plum and wild raspberry flavours and plush mid-palate fruit. Suitable for cellaring for 5-7 years.

Château Tanunda Dahlitz Merlot displays lifted aromas of blueberry and plum supported by juicy dark berry fruits and chocolate and a hint of vanilla on the palate. The extensive finish is framed by elegant, fine-grained tannins from fifteen months' maturation in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels.

A unique expression of the Margaret River, Deep Woods Hillside Cabernet Merlot exhibits aromas of cassis and dried herbs. The palate is a rich mixture of red and black berries and is medium bodied with elegant silky tannins. Great length with a touch of sweet spice and dark chocolate notes.

A nose of cassis and chocolate with a hint of tobacco. The palate is filled with irresistible mulberry fruit and the tannins are soft and velvety. An impressive effort from a Margaret River icon!