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 Smith & Hooper Cabernet Merlot is a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot displaying aromas of red berries, eucalypt and a hint of vanilla. Flavours of mulberries, cherry and blackcurrants fill out the smoothly textured palate.

Amelia Park, although a recent player in the Margaret River Wine scene, have made an astonishing impact. Jeremy Gordon takes a hands on approach to all things at his winery and the results are for everyone to see. Already a multi award-winner, the Amelia Park Cabernet Merlot is a seamless wine that is wonderfully medium-bodied with a fine acid backbone that simply sings from beginning to end.

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.

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.

A lovely example of Margaret River Cabernet Merlot, Flametree Cabernet Merlot is showing big dense fruit characters of blackcurrant and stewed plums. A silky seamless palate with rich fruit concentration and chocolaty complexity. Matured in French oak barrels has softened and rounded this wine.

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.

One could be mistaken for thinking Grove Estate was in the heart of Coonawarra with it's vivid red soil. It's in fact nestled in the emerging region of Hilltops in NSW and with the guidance of Canberra guru, Tim Kirk, this great Cabernet shows flavours and aromas of liquorice, blackberry and rich cassis.

In the glass: Deep garnet. On the nose: Cassis, cedar, tobacco, spice.On the palate: Distinctly varietal with blackcurrant, blackberry and cassis, black tea and smokey oak. Finely structured with fine, velvety tannins and good persistence.