The sort of wine that is perfect to drink for everyone, everywhere. Soft and smooth, you'll always enjoy just one more glass.

Your quest for the best sub-$20 Merlot is over. One of McLaren Vale's most explosive producers of the past 10-15 years is offered here on an silver platter. Everything you love about Merlot in one bottle; luscious black fruits with soft cuddly tannins and hints of spiced coffee.

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.

John Riddoch is not only a famous name in the region of Coonawarra, but an important figure in the Australian wine industry. His pioneering spirit and love of the region has been translated into this bottle of rich and smooth Coonawarra Merlot. Aromas and flavours of ripe plums, dense blueberry and a fine grain tannin structure to support. A welcome return from a highly regarded wine name that won't disappoint if opened today or cellared for the short to medium term.

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.

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.

Merlot is the perfect varietal for those who like their red wines on the smooth side. Soft, velvety and plush with fruit characters of plum, blueberry and blackcurrant, Hardy's have produced a wonderful easy drinking red wine with the added bonus of being bottled in a larger 1L bottle adding great value.

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.