Bold and fruity, this firm Merlot has classic dark berry notes and an elegant oaky finish.

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.

The Conductor has lifted aromas of ripe red plums and cherries with underlying earthy savouriness and vanilla. The palate is smooth with gentle fruit tannins and poised acidity. A medium bodied wine with elegant structure and purity of fruit.

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.

Château Pétrus is undoubtedly the greatest wine of Pomerol and one of the most sought-after wines of the entire Bordeaux region. Made from mainly Merlot grapes, this property has produced many magnificent vintages under the management and ownership of the Moueix family. Less than 4000 cases are produced in most vintages.

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.

Two words come to mind when you mention great Australian Merlot. Jim Irivne. Jim's Grand Merlot is the benchmark of complex and elegant Merlot in Australia and his Eden Valley vineyards are the perfect place to produce this iconic wine.