McGuigan produce another fantastically smooth and rich Merlot from their Black Label range. It is a soft and flavoursome wine with ripe fruit flavours of raspberry, cherry and plums integrated with subtle oak.

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.

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.

In just a few short decades, the Taylor family have etched out a formidable reputation for producing high quality wine from their Clare Valley vineyards. This textbook Merlot captures the varietal characters of berries, fruitcake and velvety tannins. The judicious use of French and American oak adds mocha and vanilla softens and rounds the palate.

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.

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.

Audrey Wilkinsons Merlot is a mellow, easy approaching style that is packed with ripe plum aromas and subtle oak. It is matured in French and American oak for 18 months, giving the wine soft tannins and a flavoursome finish.

Shottesbrooke Merlot from the well drained McLaren Vale is a wonderfully full flavoured, deep and vibrant red wine. Medium body, typical of the variety, combined with fine tannins and a smooth finish, this makes an ideal food accompaniment for poultry and Italian dishes.