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.

Merlot is the perfect varietal for those who like their red wines on the smooth side. Soft, velvety and plush with fruit characters of plum, blueberry and blackcurrant, Hardy's have produced a wonderful easy drinking red wine with the added bonus of being bottled in a larger 1L bottle adding great value.

Ask the Elephant wines are approachable, no-nonsense wines designed to make wine easy and enjoyable, with classic varietal flavours that are familiar. Merlot, the fan-favourite perfectly versatile and suited to any occasion. It's fruity in flavour and soft in texture. Full of berries and plums, there is nothing hard with this wine.

This Merlot displays forest fruit and plum characters, dark chocolate flavours in the mouth, with a supple medium weight tannin finish. Being fruit off the older Robert Stein vineyard block that was planted back in 1989 has helped add complexity to this early drinking style.

Chateau Chantalouette is the second wine of Chateau de Sales. Owned by the same family for over five centuries, the 116 acre estate is the largest in the appellation and boasts the only true castle of Pomerol. Chantalouette refers to one of the larger parcels constituting the vineyard of Chateau de Sales. A blend of 73percent Merlot, 16percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11percent Cabernet Franc, opening with aromas of juicy blue plums, brown spices, and notes of truffles. The palate has the roundness and generosity associated with Pomerol, with a supple and elegant approachablity, finishing with a creamy, chocolatey finish. Charming, elegant, and seductive, providing much a great deal of drinking pleasure.

Audrey Wilkinsons Merlot is a mellow, easy approaching style that is packed with ripe plum aromas and subtle oak. It is matured in French and American oak for 18 months, giving the wine soft tannins and a flavoursome finish.

Yellow Tail Merlot is soft and supple, with sweet, plum and cherry flavours and a hint of liquorice or anise. Merlot is an excellent alternative to the heavier and more tannic red varieties.

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.