Château Pétrus is one of Bordeaux's most important vineyard sites, lying on the easterly edge of the Pomerol appellation bordering Saint-Émilion. Although wines of Pomerol have never been classified, it is widely recognised that Pétrus is the most outstanding wine of the appellation, if not the entire Right Bank. Almost always made entirely of Merlot, the 2009 is one such vintage which is 100% single varietal. The perfect vintage conditions have provided the expert team at Pétrus the ideal opportunity to provide with a wine that comes as close to perfection as humanly possible. Stunning concentration and complexity run through the entire palate that is remarkably ready to drink today, yet will live comfortably in the cellar gathering further intense flavours and aromas for the next 20 to 30 years.

Deep purple in colour, this Merlot has an attractive nose of ripe red berries and cassis. The palate is soft and generous with plenty of sweet, juicy flavours. Great drinking and a great price!

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.

The pride of Michelini stable, this Merlot was sourced from the mature Buckland vineyard. On the nose it offers violet fruit characters supported by vanilla oak and a solid mid palate weight and flavour with soft fruit tannins and firm oak finish.

Petaluma Merlot is medium body with a brick red colour, the superbly perfumed bouquet is a tangle of marzipan, spice, plum and confectionery and is the best nose of the early Petalumas. On the palate, flavours of cherry, plum and spice emerge, with very good depth and complexity.

Yalumba Y Series Merlot is soft and supple, with sweet, ripe fruit flavours and a hint of liquorice or anise. Merlot is an excellent alternative to the heavier and more tannic red varieties.

Woodlands Cabernet Merlot is one of the regions best examples. The Watson brothers are the custodians of a family heritage in Margaret River that continues to this day. The Cabernet Merlot has attractive and complex aromas of dark berry and plum supported by well integrated vanillin oak. The palate shows similar characters with outstanding length of flavour and perfect balance. Drink now or cellar short term.

Wild Oats is the current vision of wine industry stalwart, Bob Oatley. Known for his adverturous side, in fact Bob had his start back in the Hunter Valley in the 1960s. The Wild Oats brand continues his strive for excellence and innovation and this Cabernet Merlot reflects this wonderfully. A blend of both Mudgee and Margaret River fruit, the Wild Oats Cab Merlot links the east and west coast of Australia with rich, smooth and velvety fruit and is enjoyable served on all occasions.

Attractive blackcurrant fruit characters and a hint of mint are well matched with toasty oak to give a well rounded finish in this easy drinking blend which delivers outstanding value for money.

Pure Vision's Organic Merlot is an outstanding value Merlot, taking on bottle aged secondary flavours of poached plum and soft tannins, yet still vibrant and youthful in spirit. Delicious.