In every wine region there are hidden gems, and Bordeaux is no exception. Chateau Chantecaille Clauzel is a tiny (0.4ha) patch of vines right on the border between St-Emilion and Pomerol, wedged in by vines owned owned by Chateaux LEvangile and La Dominique. Illustrious near-neighbours include Cheval Blanc, Petrus and Gazin. Chance, a proud family history and local politics account for its survival. If the cards had fallen differently Chantecaille Clauzels fruit would be incorporated in a much more famous and much more expensive wine. Chantecaille Clauzel is essentially Merlot, with a little Cabernet Franc. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and matured in seasoned barriques (just five or six of them) at the Clauzel familys nearby Chateau Guillot Clauzel.

Climbing Merlot is a rich red coloured wine with purple hues. Fruit for this wine came from 600 metres above the sea level giving it intense flavours and great elegance. It has delectable aromas of rich red berries, plums and bell pepper along with some oak. The palate is medium bodied with soft tannins and light oak. The wine is ready to be consumed now and can also be cellared for up to 5 years. Drink it with rich meaty dishes!

While almost all Australian Merlot in the bottle is made from one clone, now Australia has better French clones of Merlot. This wine is made from one of them (Q45) by Australias new clone Merlot pioneers. MÉRITEs 2016 Q Merlot is made to showcase the attributes of this new clone: its a bold wine with intense fruit flavours, bright natural acidity and fine tannins

A lovely approachable wine from the guys at III Associates. Plum flavours drive the wine with a soft, plush mouth feel and intergrated tannins. Lovely toasty oak is also prevalent with nice blending of the Cabernet fruit.

Dry red wine with a deep ruby red color. It exhibits refined grape aromas, honey and a mixture of caramelized wild berries. Its harmonious flavor is a result of the balance between acids, extracts and alcohol content, full bodied, rounded with velvety tannin and a long finish. Pairs exquisitely with lamb, pork or chicken at 16-18C.

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.

Chancellor & Co Merlot is slightly oaked for a backdrop of character, leaving a heady aroma of dark berry and ripe plums to shine through. Once this rich red hits your palate, expect plummy fruits and sharp blackberry to dominate.

We have to talk about the Elephant in the Room Merlot. An aromatic scent of ripe, red berries balanced by spice and earthiness is continued into the palate with a well-contained flavour explosion. The delightful finish makes this the perfect wine to enjoy with friends.

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.