One of the few straight varietals in Australia (Petit Verdot is usually blended with other Bordeaux varieties), the nose displays violets, briary blackberry and a hint of cedar. The palate reveals concentrated spicy plum, cherry and mulberry flavours. Will cellar well.

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.

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.

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.

Lush, mouth filling sweet blackberry and plums elegantly cover the palate with nuances of sweet spice. Silky, fine tannins and dark chocolaty notes tickle throughout the lengthy palate with youthful and pretty finish.

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.

Merlesco combines fruit from our two McLaren Vale vineyards. Our McMurtrie Road vineyard on the valley floor enjoys sunny days and cooling evening breezes from the nearby ocean. Our Angel Gully Vineyard in the McLaren Vale sub-region of Clarendon is the highest vineyard in McLaren Vale and has a long, slow growing season with cool nights and warm days on shale stone soil.

This is a single vineyard Merlot from Carl Lindners Lohner Vineyard, located in the cooler, wetter southern end of the Barossa which is well suited to growing Merlot. In the glass: Full deep red. On the nose: Dark berry, cassis and cedar.On the palate: Full-bodied with dark fruits balanced by a light leafy freshness. Firm, ripe tannins drive the coffee and anise-like finish.