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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Made from grapes grown in Pemberton WA, which were fermented on skins with the natural wild yeast then gently basket pressed. Made without any aging in oak, this Merlot is all about the fruit. Think plums and red berries.