Award winning wines have been the modus operandi for the Tate family since the mid-70s. That pedigree and know-how can be tasted in this bottle of hand crafted Margaret River Cabernet Merlot. Regional notes of bay leaf, eucalypt and dry, tannins are supported by a lush and vibrant blue and black fruit backbone that continues on the palate for what seems like a lifetime. Absolutely delicious.

In just a few short decades, the Taylor family have etched out a formidable reputation for producing high quality wine from their Clare Valley vineyards. This textbook Merlot captures the varietal characters of berries, fruitcake and velvety tannins. The judicious use of French and American oak adds mocha and vanilla softens and rounds the palate.

The gravelly soils and sunny climate of Hawkes Bay are producing some of New Zealand's most exciting reds. This classy Merlot from Oyster Bay shows soft spicy varietal flavours such as, juicy plums and ripe dark fruits. Accompanied by well intergraded oak and subtle tannins, making this wine one of the easier matching to food.

This attractive Merlot displays varietal aromas of cassis and liquorice. The palate is fleshy and mouth filling with flavours of plum, sweet spice and creamy vanillin oak.

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.

The typical Margaret River Cabernet characters of red berries and leafiness are neatly balanced with the softer, plummy notes of Merlot.

Wynns 'Red Stripe' Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot continues to be a market leader and beacon for quality wine at an affordable price. Cabernet brings cassis and mint, while spice and plummy fruit is provided by the Shiraz and Merlot. Drink now or cellar for a year or two.

This wine is classic Coonawarra in style with ripe berry and cassis aromas and flavours layered over fine tannins. Cabernet is the major component and backbone with Merlot adding softness and drinkability.

Soft rounded and fruit-driven this is a good example of the approachable easy drinking Merlot variety. Generous plummy flavour with just a touch of oak and light tannins make this wine enjoyable now.</p>

This medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend from Jacob's Creek offers dark berry and chocolate flavours, with hints of spicy and soft vanillin oak.