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.

Ashtonishing value and pedigree are on offer with the Mouton Cadet Rouge - a historical wine created by Baron Philippe de Rothschild in the 1930s. With access to some of Bordeaux's finest appellations, the Mouton Cadet is considered the premier affordable Bordeaux wine on the market today. Hard to argue when attractive notes of blueberry, morello cherry and blackcurrant simply cascade from the glass creating a truly memorable red wine experience. Sourced from growers from limestone rich soils of the Entre-Deux-Mers and Côtes de Bordeaux to the clay soils around Blaye and the gravel rich Côtes de Bourg. All contributing to what is possibly the bargain old world wine of the year.

Bright red ruby in colour. Savoury and Pepper nose with touches of Violet. Medium to full body on the palate with Blackberry and Blackcurrant flavours and lovely long mouth feel.

In the glass: Dark red. On the nose: Chery berry fruit, herb and cumin spice. On the palate: Ripe, juicy and generous with sweet, fleshy dark cherry and red plum fruit, some confectionery notes, sweet earth, cola, liquorice and milk chocolate - deliciously savoury.

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.

The Victorian Pyrenees region is one of the few regions in Australia capable of producing consistent and distinctive high quality Merlot. Produced from selected parcels of fruit from their estate vineyard, this Merlot shows definitive varietal and regional character: medium-bodied in weight with a vibrant mouthful of bright fruit flavours, supported by a firm structure of fine grain tannins.

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.

The ability to source fruit away from their home base in the Hunter is paying dividends for Brokenwood. This Cricket Pitch is a ripe, fully flavoured red blend - this is the ideal BBQ companion.

This expressive Pinot Noir from Eden Road displays intensity and lifted aromas of red cherries, currants and clovey spice. The palate is concentrated in bright red fruits, dark plum and warm spices, with good structured acidity, embedded in silky, plush tannins. All follows through with great length and richness in flavour.

The 2008 release of this took out the prestigious tri-nations award. The 2009 from a stronger vintage looks even better. A classicist?s Merlot; plum and cassis supported by fine tannin.