John Riddoch is not only a famous name in the region of Coonawarra, but an important figure in the Australian wine industry. His pioneering spirit and love of the region has been translated into this bottle of rich and smooth Coonawarra Merlot. Aromas and flavours of ripe plums, dense blueberry and a fine grain tannin structure to support. A welcome return from a highly regarded wine name that won't disappoint if opened today or cellared for the short to medium term.

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.

Charming aromas of red forest-fruits and cherry are enhanced with fine notes of rose petals. The palate shows balance, a round mouthfeel, soft tanins and a long, aromatic aftertaste. Light and spicy with refreshing acidity render. Match to pasta, vegetarian dishes and barbeque delights. Merlot 50%, Xinomavro 25%, Syrah 25% Grapes are hand-picked and selected on a double sorting table prior to crush. For each variety the must is cold soaked at 11-12°C in a reductive environment for 2-5 days depending on the quality of the grapes. Fermentation takes place at 20- 22°C, followed by malolactic fermentation in tank. During the first five months of the year, the lees are stirred twice a week (batonnage), in order to achieve a fuller body. After the final blend the wine is bottled, usually in April after the harvest. The winemaker's main objective is to achieve maximum fruit extraction, while preserving a good level of acidity. Stellios Boutaris is the fifth generation winemaker, today heading up Kir-Yianni, founded in 1997 by his father, Yiannis, following his departure from the Boutari family business. Boutari, the largest and oldest wine company in Greece, had been established by Yiannis grandfather in 1879. Kir-Yianni makes wine across two regions in the north of Greece Amyndeon and Naoussa, with the aim of producing terroir driven wines that speak of place. In Naoussa, the 58 Ha vineyard is located on the east slopes of Mount Vermion, situated at an altitude of 250 to 350 m.a.s.l. on sandy, clay soils. Located at just 100 km from the Agean Sea, it enjoys a cool, Mediterranean climate. In contrast, Amyndeon is the coldest wine growing region in Greece. At an altitude of 750 m.a.s.l. the climate is continental, tempered only by the presence of four lakes which create a very special microclimate. The soils are poor and sandy, and unaffected by phylloxera. Specialising in the native Greek grape variety xinomavro, the wines of both Naoussa and Amyndeon have a layered complexity of fruit and serious acidity, which give them a unique character and long ageing potential.

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.

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.

This Merlot blends the craftsmanship of California winemaking with the exotic tradition of dark rum barrel aging, resulting in an incredibly bold sensory expression. Dark ruby red in color, it opens with rich, sweet aromas of blackstrap molasses, sweet vanilla, mocha, cocoa powder, maple, tobacco leaf, spiced rum cake, anise, black cherry, and dark plum. Ripe, concentrated flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, spiced rum cake, molasses, caramel, brown sugar, baking spices, sweet oak, vanilla, and dark chocolate carry through to a long, lush, and sweet finish. A superb accompaniment to Caribbean rum cake, pasta Bolognese, Korean short ribs, Jamaican jerk chicken, spicy coconut curry, dark chocolate, brie with fig jam, and a white sandy beach at sunset.

Giesen Pure Light 6% Merlot - 50% less alcohol, 45% less calories* without compromising on flavour. Ripe plum and blackberry notes combine with sweet baking spice and toasty notes on the nose. The palate displays layers of dark berry fruit and vanilla from French oak aging, supported by fine tannin which gives the wine structure and a long dry finish.

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.

In the glass this wine is a deep magenta colour with crimson/purple edges. The nose exudes vibrant aromas of violets, spice and ripe berry flavours. The palate has intense dark berries and clove spice. It is a medium bodied wine with good length.

This medium-bodied vegan friendly and organic Merlot exhibits an inviting array of plum, chocolate and mixed berry aromas, integrated nicely by soft and velvety tannins and rounded off with a touch of sweet spice and savoury oak to finish.