With a slightly warmer climate and fine-tuned, sophisticated winemaking, Bordeaux’s wines have never been better. And being slightly off trend right now, their wines are excellent value too. This is a youthful, ripe claret from a small estate in the village of Saint-Christoly-en-Médoc. Fabien and Amélie Faget bought the property in 2016 and have pursued an environmentally, non-interventionist approach in the vineyard and the cellar. Using a classic Médoc blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it has “good tension and focus … with a firm and chewy mid-palate, nicely filled with vibrant dark fruit” (James Suckling). Open early and decant for optimum drinking. An ideal red with roast meats, firm cheeses or a slow-cooked casserole.

Tucked away in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, next to Saint Emilion, is award winning Château de Colombe, a tiny estate much neglected until we took ownership in 2012. Now it’s being lavished with utmost care in the vineyard and the cellar. Our Head Winemaker, Haut-Brion-trained Jean-Marc Sauboua, quickly spotted the potential of its steep, south-facing slopes and limestone soils. Judging by the 11 Golds won over the last five vintages (two for 2020), he was spot on. 2020 has been unanimously declared as 'exceptional', its fruit deliciously ripe, which has made for a very much ‘drink me now’ style. Merlot with a little of both Cabernets and Malbec, aged a few months in barrel, this red is fruit-rich and supple. For now open early and decant.

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.

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.

Temple Bruer continues to be one of the standout Organic producers in Australia with flavoursome and richly textured wines. This Cabernet Merlot has the great bonus of being Preservative Free for those with sensitivies to Sulpher Dioxide.

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.

Always regarded as one of Margaret River's favourite wineries due to the inherant quality. Forester Estate seems to marry beautifully with their value-for-money philosophy. This Cabernet Merlot continues to win wide acclaim due to its dark purple colour and its lifted aromas of raspberries and black forest cake. Rich berry flavours are well balanced by a tight tannin structure typical of quality Margaret River Cabernets. The other great bonus is the ability of this great Cab blend to morph into a true cellar star.