Château Caroline shows a deep ruby color. It has an easy-going, but attractive red cherry and wild strawberry-scented bouquet with touches of cedar coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, layers of cedar-infused black fruit and a crisp, earthy finish that is long and satisfying

A Gold, 92pt beauty. Château La Clarière is blessed with 50 different vineyard plots, all ideally situated on the superb limestone plateau from where both Saint-Emilion and Castillon’s finest wines hail. However, the grapes from the Enclos single vineyard, literally five metres from Saint-Emilion’s priciest Grands Crus Classés, have always been kept separate. It’s a vineyard surrounded by hedgerows, shrubs and dotted with trees – its most biodiverse; farmed organically too. All Merlot, carefully fermented on the estate, with regular plunge down and a year’s ageing in part new and part seasoned French oak barrels, it’s a very fine, velvety claret. Open early and preferably decant. It will make a very handsome partner to roast red meats or a cheeseboard.

This is a single vineyard Merlot from Carl Lindners Lohner Vineyard, located in the cooler, wetter southern end of the Barossa which is well suited to growing Merlot. In the glass: Full deep red. On the nose: Dark berry, cassis and cedar.On the palate: Full-bodied with dark fruits balanced by a light leafy freshness. Firm, ripe tannins drive the coffee and anise-like finish.

Tucked away in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, next to Saint Emilion, is award winning Château de Colombe, a tiny estate much neglected until we took ownership in 2012. Now it’s being lavished with utmost care in the vineyard and the cellar. Our Head Winemaker, Haut-Brion-trained Jean-Marc Sauboua, quickly spotted the potential of its steep, south-facing slopes and limestone soils. Judging by the 11 Golds won over the last five vintages (two for 2020), he was spot on. 2020 has been unanimously declared as 'exceptional', its fruit deliciously ripe, which has made for a very much ‘drink me now’ style. Merlot with a little of both Cabernets and Malbec, aged a few months in barrel, this red is fruit-rich and supple. For now open early and decant.

Medium to Full bodied, soft and generous. Ripe dark berried fruit flavours such as Satsuma plum and boysenberries mingle with dark chocolate notes. Tannins are smooth and accompanied by a vibrant, perfectly balanced acidity that keeps the wine fresh and persistent all the way through to the finish.

The Alain Jaume CDR Grand Veneur 2022 is a delightful representation of the Rhône Valley, France. This vintage is a testament to the expertise of Vignobles Alain Jaume, showcasing the unique terroir and the perfect growing conditions of the region. On the nose, notes of ripe black cherries, plums, and blackberries mingle with hints of spices and a touch of smoke. The garnet colour of the wine is alluring and inviting. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-structured, with a smooth and velvety texture. Flavours of dark fruits, such as blackcurrants and blackberries, dominate with a touch of earthiness and a subtle hint of oak. The tannins are well-integrated, providing a long and elegant finish. This wine is a true expression of the Rhône Valley and is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

A rich wine with a soft creamy texture, just the way a traditional Aussie sparkling red should be. Drink it now while it still has plenty of bubbles. Try it with roast turkey or any game meat or even with fruit cake and raisins.

Merlesco combines fruit from our two McLaren Vale vineyards. Our McMurtrie Road vineyard on the valley floor enjoys sunny days and cooling evening breezes from the nearby ocean. Our Angel Gully Vineyard in the McLaren Vale sub-region of Clarendon is the highest vineyard in McLaren Vale and has a long, slow growing season with cool nights and warm days on shale stone soil.