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.

Pure, elegant Margaret River Cabernet Merlot with characters of dried herbs, bay leaf, violets and redcurrant with savoury cedar and toasted spices from maturation in well seasoned French oak barriques and hogsheads. The palate is fresh and tight with the structure and quality to cellar for many years.

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.

Aromas of berries and plums, ripe fruit intensity and vanilla spice. Medium bodied with dark fruits and a soft tannin finish.

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.

This Gris from the home of the long white cloud offers creamy pear notes, honey and hints of caramel with citrus and vanilla. The palate reflects the nose with it flavours of ripe pear and honey layered with guava. There is a creamy weight when drinking and it trails rich flavours of tangerine. Ideally suited to drink with with pasta, parsley and parmesan or poached salmon and wild mushrooms.

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 deep brick red Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of plums, cherries and hints of mint transcends to layers of savoury red fruits balanced with an earthy finish. A wine with elegance and power, best matched with home made lasagne.

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.