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.

Lifted aromas of red currants and blackberry accompanied by succulent red and dark berry flavours. The finish is long and with classic merlot fine grain tannins from 18 months maturation in French Oak. Neville first discovered the wonder of wines as a teenager, when he stole a bottle of aged Riesling from his fathers cellar to enjoy with his girlfriend he hasnt looked back since! Neville is a firm believer that the most important piece to the puzzle (in terms of winemaking) is starting with the best quality fruit. - Château Tanunda.

A lively nose, brimming with bright berry and tropical fruit. Soft and luscious, this refreshing red is richly fruited with hints of watermelon and strawberry. An easy-drinking style and an ideal aperitif, it pairs perfectly with lighter dishes and salads. Blue Gold | Sydney International Wine Competition 2018

5th Generation Merlot is a ruby red coloured wine. Its nose gives off lifted aromas of dark cherries, red berries and lavender supported by spice and vanilla nuances. The ripe and full bodied palate is filled with blackberry and plum flavours integrated with plush tannins, leading to a delicate and lengthy finale. The cellaring potential of this wine is about 5 years. It matches well with pasta and red meat dishes.

At last an affordable Merlot with some real varietal character! Grant Burge Hillcot range has soft ripe red berry and raspberry aromas on the nose. Followed by ripe plum and cherry flavours enhanced by well-integrated oak.

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.

One of the most expensive Bordeaux wines - and indeed, one of the priciest anywhere - Le Pin is a surprisingly recent arrival on the global stage, with its first vintage having been produced just decades ago in 1979. Originally priced at a modest 700 francs, the praise garnered by the 1982 vintage propelled Le Pin into the global limelight, with sales from that point on par with - or exceeding - those of First Growth Bordeaux wines. An exotic style of Bordeaux, Le Pin possesses a resplendent, lavish mouth-feel with intensely ripe fruit aromas and hints of smoke on the palate.

When it comes to Australian Merlot, Katnook is among the very best. Lovely plum dark berry and cedary cigar box characters slip seamlessly into a finish that seems everlasting. Aged for 22 months in French oak, the swathes of blackcurrant are a delight to the senses.