The high altitude Orange region is producing some outstanding Merlot and this release, made by Debbie Lauritz, is a great example. Aromas of dried herb and currant are supported with sweet fruit flavours.

Ashtonishing value and pedigree are on offer with the Mouton Cadet Rouge - a historical wine created by Baron Philippe de Rothschild in the 1930s. With access to some of Bordeaux's finest appellations, the Mouton Cadet is considered the premier affordable Bordeaux wine on the market today. Hard to argue when attractive notes of blueberry, morello cherry and blackcurrant simply cascade from the glass creating a truly memorable red wine experience. Sourced from growers from limestone rich soils of the Entre-Deux-Mers and Côtes de Bordeaux to the clay soils around Blaye and the gravel rich Côtes de Bourg. All contributing to what is possibly the bargain old world wine of the year.

Two words come to mind when you mention great Australian Merlot. Jim Irivne. Jim's Grand Merlot is the benchmark of complex and elegant Merlot in Australia and his Eden Valley vineyards are the perfect place to produce this iconic wine.

Shottesbrooke Merlot from the well drained McLaren Vale is a wonderfully full flavoured, deep and vibrant red wine. Medium body, typical of the variety, combined with fine tannins and a smooth finish, this makes an ideal food accompaniment for poultry and Italian dishes.

Petaluma Merlot is medium body with a brick red colour, the superbly perfumed bouquet is a tangle of marzipan, spice, plum and confectionery and is the best nose of the early Petalumas. On the palate, flavours of cherry, plum and spice emerge, with very good depth and complexity.

The Victorian Pyrenees region is one of the few regions in Australia capable of producing consistent and distinctive high quality Merlot. Produced from selected parcels of fruit from their estate vineyard, this Merlot shows definitive varietal and regional character: medium-bodied in weight with a vibrant mouthful of bright fruit flavours, supported by a firm structure of fine grain tannins.

Attractive blackcurrant fruit characters and a hint of mint are well matched with toasty oak to give a well rounded finish in this easy drinking blend which delivers outstanding value for money.

Merlot has become popular because it offers a softness of texture while still providing ripe, plummy flavours. Wolf Blass come to the party here with an an easy drinking, fruity style of dry red.

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

This soft and luscious merlot from South Australia has a lovely nose of berries and dried fruit. An easy drinking fruity red with Merlot's classic supple feel. Super smooth on the finish for those who like their reds easy on the palate.