The Rock of Solitude is a special place in our vineyard, a single flat rock facing west, overlooking Geographe Bay. In the quiet of the early morning and evening this is the perfect place to seek seclusion and regain energy from the earth. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were machine-harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The ferments were pumped over twice a day. Postalcoholic fermentation, it was pressed to tank before racking off to barrel for malo-lactic fermentation and maturation. The wine was then blended together, fined, filtered and bottled.

JEAN-PIERRE MOUEIX BORDEAUX rouge was inspired by the founders early mission: when Jean-Pierre Moueix launched his wine merchant business in 1937, he sought to offer eminently drinkable and enjoyable wines that reflect a sense of place. Personally selected by Christian and Edouard Moueix, the Merlot grape offers depth and complexity, while Cabernet Franc brings structure and spice to the blend. Combined, these varietals produce wines of character and body while maintaining a unique suppleness. The wine shows ruby red with an intense, complex nose presenting notes of cherry, strawberry and blond tobacco. The palate is powerful and inviting with smooth, silky tannins.

Bimbadgen Ridge Shiraz Cabernet Merlot is a medium bodied wine that combines the firm fruity characters of Shiraz with the length and finish of Cabernet and soft fleshy Merlot.

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.

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.

John Riddoch MHA, who entered South Australia's Parliament (1865) as the South East's representative. Founded the Coonawarra Wine Region (1890) with the aspiration of making the finest wine in the country. The 2021 Riddoch The Representative Cabernet Merlot exhibits Cassis redcurrant spice aromas, fine chalky tannins and generous flavours. Aged in new-and-seasoned French and American oak for around 12 months, the wine is supple with gentle vigour. Drink now or may be cellared for years to come.

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