The Smith & Hooper Cabernet Merlot is a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot displaying aromas of red berries, eucalypt and a hint of vanilla. Flavours of mulberries, cherry and blackcurrants fill out the smoothly textured palate.

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.

Printhie is a stand-out producer from the emerging region of Orange and this Merlot has a complex bouquet of red fruits, violets and spice. The palate has fine acidity and gentle tannin providing attractive structure and length.

Château Tanunda Dahlitz Merlot displays lifted aromas of blueberry and plum supported by juicy dark berry fruits and chocolate and a hint of vanilla on the palate. The extensive finish is framed by elegant, fine-grained tannins from fifteen months' maturation in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels.

Te Mata make some sublime Bordeaux style red wines and we've been blessed in recent years with some outstanding vintages. This years release has wonderful floral aromas with intense blackberry, currant and dark plum flavours lead to a rich supple palate with a sustained finish.

From the stable of Devils Lair, Fifth Leg is a blend of Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot that is a soft and supple drink-now style. The quality of the Margaret River fruit gives it flavour which will appeal to the serious red wine drinker as well.

PENFOLDS II x Dourthe Cabernet Shiraz, France, Australia

Made by Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné, one of the flagship producers of France's Rhone Valley - a vast Mediterranean region with an incredible diversity of landscapes and grape varieties. This Syrah is the perfect expression of its region: southern in character yet fresh, dense, and fruit-driven. Bright ruby red in appearance with an expressive nose of ripe red fruit and blueberries, complimented by spicy and floral notes. The palate is smooth and generous, dominated by flavours of black cherries. An excellent representation of the freshness of fruit and complex, peppery spice that can be found in Rhone Syrah.

The Les Anges range offers the best terroirs and appellations of France thanks to know-how, passion and rigour. The wine style is light, supple and silky - like a cloud. This delightful French pinot noir boasts a beautiful garnet colour with purplish reflections. Notes of fresh red fruits (strawberries, blackberries) and floral nuances greet the nose. Round, succulent and supple berry flavours suggest that the wine is ready for immediate enjoyment.

The balancing act of Chateau Montrose sees 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and for the first time an inclusion from the recently purchased vineyard parcel of Phelan Segur. Chateau Montrose is considered a top producer from St-Estephe, known for potential in cellaring and considered unique for its style, which is set to 'vin de garde' wines. The estate property is set on gravel-based soils and sits in what is conisdered a microclimate, also conspiring in the unique perfumes, composition and forimdable structure of these wines. 2010 has been spectacular for Montrose power and presence, and will be a worthy wine to drink in a decade to 75 years.