The 2010 Chateau d'Issan is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, showing 'classic Margaux' in its perfume, finesse and apparent elegance. Soils are gravel and clay, which contributes to the high-tones of perfume from the wine, and though an estate that is neccesarily clawing its way back to a higher profile, is doing so with deeds in bottle over showmanship. On its side, the vineyard is dense with older vines that naturally offer lower yields, allowing for a higher quality of fruit for the winemaking team, in turn producing a wine of stellar quality from 2010.

Ripe and generous, the leafy, minty characters of Cabernet are complemented by the softness and plummy fruit coming from the Merlot. A nice touch of sweet oak completes the picture.

A great Merlot, this wine has intense plum, raspberry and cherry flavours with silky soft tannins.

Château Tanunda Dahlitz Merlot displays lifted aromas of blueberry and plum supported by juicy dark berry fruits and chocolate and a hint of vanilla on the palate. The extensive finish is framed by elegant, fine-grained tannins from fifteen months' maturation in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels.

One of the Margaret River's more celebrated producers, Howard Park have forged a healthy cult following. The 2001 Cabernet Blend is a full bodied red that has developed liquorice and humidor characters beneath a layers of concentrated blackberry.

Ruby red with purple hues, with a bouquet of cherries, plums and subtle spice. The wine displays lovely rich, soft berry flavours with hints of cinnamon and vanillin oak.

Dollar for dollar, wines such as this truly are remarkable value. Soft, round with flavours of ripe plums, blackcurrant and a finely grained mouthfeel.

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.

The Classic Collection Merlot by Grant Burge is an attractive modern style Merlot that is jam-packed full of all the fruit flavours Merlot lovers have come to adore; Plum, Blueberry and Blackcurrant. Along with that dense fruitiness comes a medium weight in the palate that isn't overladen with sweetness which lends itself magnificently to food pairing with a lean pork and chickpea salads.

A nose of cassis and chocolate with a hint of tobacco. The palate is filled with irresistible mulberry fruit and the tannins are soft and velvety. An impressive effort from a Margaret River icon!