This is one of the gems produced by cult winemaker Elian Da Ros, who learned the art of winemaking at the prestigious Domaine Zind Humbrecht in Alsace before taking over the family vineyard. This luscious red is a blend of half Cabernet Franc, with the rest a split between Merlot and Syrah and matured for 18 months in old oak. Drink young for the sheer enjoyment.

Church Block first appeared back in 1972 under the watchful eye of Greg Trott and was taken by one of the original vineyards that ran alongside the small Bethany Church, across the road from Wirra Wirra's old ironstone cellars. Over the last 4 decades, it has become one of Australia's favourites. The 2005 Church Block is showing just what a little patience can do. After six years, the velvet texture is the dominant feature with integrated tannin taking a backseat.

O'Leary Walker Blue Cutting Road Cabernet Merlot has a beautiful nose of plums and classy oak. Showing succulent mouth-filling fruit flavours, this is not only a wine of great upfront appeal but also of structure and class.

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.

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.

LTCf stands for 'little touch of cabernet franc'. This classic Bordeaux blend has plenty of rich and concentrated flavours with fine tannins.

The Bowler's Run range at Dan Murphy's continues to prove a sure fire winner for the price savvy consumer. Fresh and fruit driven, this delicious, youthful blend has loads of sweet blackcurrant cabernet fruit flavour with the supple texture of Merlot.

Since the first release in 2002, Fraser Gallop Estate have gone from strength to strength, picking up a Jimmy Watson Medal along the way. The Cabernet Merlot is a lovely example of the blend which is so at home in Margaret River. Leafy mulberry on the nose with cassis in the background, and a soft , flavoursome palate. Delicious!

This Cabernet Merlot by Tenuta san Guido was created for two reasons: first of all, the desire to see what they could accomplish with Merlot, a grape that they had never used before; second, the desire to offer the consumer a wine which could be appreciated at a younger age compared to their veteran Sassicaia.