A Coonawarra Merlot is worth pausing for and this one is no different. From the Riddoch vineyard, this Cabernet Merlot has spicy chocolate and plum aromas and smooth, supple tannins. This flavoursome Merlot can be enjoyed straight away or aged for three to five years.

Printhie is a stand-out producer from the emerging region of Orange and this Merlot has a complex bouquet of red fruits, violets and spice. The palate has fine acidity and gentle tannin providing attractive structure and length.

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.

Now sourcing fruit from premium regions across Australia, this Cabernet blend shows varietal mint on the nose with floral notes in the background. The palate has good weight and texture, the flavours of blackcurrant and herb framed by firm tannins.

The deep and bright plum colour of Sevenhill Inigo Merlot is owed to pampered care, patience and grooming given to this Clare Valley varietal. The captivating bouquet of this delicious wine exudes fragrances of plums and ripe raspberries. The medium-bodied palate is juicy, with a subtle mouthfeel of tannins. The finish is long, marked by flavours of spice and fruitcake on maturation. The wine can be enjoyed young with dishes like Beef Rendang, or beef and olive empanadas.

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.

Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon is another match that delivers something greater than the sum of its parts. Blend the rich upfront flavour and a lingering aftertaste of Cabernet, with the silky softness consistency of Shiraz, add a splash of Merlot, and you have a Rouge of super delicious deliciousness. This blend has been simply foot-crushed, hand-plunged during wild ferment and basket pressed to old oak for some sleepy time. The Cabernet, Shiraz & Merlot are all from our Quindalup vineyard.

Soft rounded and fruit-driven this is a good example of the approachable easy drinking Merlot variety. Generous plummy flavour with just a touch of oak and light tannins make this wine enjoyable now.</p>

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