The gravelly soils and sunny climate of Hawkes Bay are producing some of New Zealand's most exciting reds. This classy Merlot from Oyster Bay shows soft spicy varietal flavours such as, juicy plums and ripe dark fruits. Accompanied by well intergraded oak and subtle tannins, making this wine one of the easier matching to food.

Wolf Blass continues to produce brilliant quality wines at unbeatable prices and the Red Label Cabernet Merlot is the perfect example. The wine has bright berry and plum fruit aromas supported by subtle nutty oak. The palate displays a juicy fruit finish with approachable fine tannins and its best enjoyed young and fresh with hearty red meat dishes.

This medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend from Jacob's Creek offers dark berry and chocolate flavours, with hints of spicy and soft vanillin oak.

Dark fruits and licorice intermingled with forest undergrowth notes precede a long lasting, fine tannin Rosemary flavoured finish. The medium weight but firm structure and vibrancy of this wine ensure it has many possible food matches.

The typical Margaret River Cabernet characters of red berries and leafiness are neatly balanced with the softer, plummy notes of Merlot.

Wynns 'Red Stripe' Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot continues to be a market leader and beacon for quality wine at an affordable price. Cabernet brings cassis and mint, while spice and plummy fruit is provided by the Shiraz and Merlot. Drink now or cellar for a year or two.

Always regarded as one of Margaret River's favourite wineries due to the inherant quality. Forester Estate seems to marry beautifully with their value-for-money philosophy. This Cabernet Merlot continues to win wide acclaim due to its dark purple colour and its lifted aromas of raspberries and black forest cake. Rich berry flavours are well balanced by a tight tannin structure typical of quality Margaret River Cabernets. The other great bonus is the ability of this great Cab blend to morph into a true cellar star.

This wine is classic Coonawarra in style with ripe berry and cassis aromas and flavours layered over fine tannins. Cabernet is the major component and backbone with Merlot adding softness and drinkability.

A medium bodied wine with aromas of dark fruits and understated oak. A generous palate showing vibrant, rich fruit flavours and soft mouth-coating tannins.

Yellow Tail Merlot is soft and supple, with sweet, plum and cherry flavours and a hint of liquorice or anise. Merlot is an excellent alternative to the heavier and more tannic red varieties.