Made from the top hill grapes. Single Vineyard to bottle. Sandy limestone soil, cool climate. Stone fruit flavours. Low yields. Vibrant cherry with spice and aromas of dark fruits.

Warramunda Estate's Merlot 2021 using fruit from vines planted in 2015 from their Coldstream Vineyard is, as Philip Rich writes in The Halliday Wine Companion: "An impressive merlot from such young vines, this opens with aromas of damson plum, blackcurrants, lifted florals and just a hint of cedar. Medium bodied with persistent, even tannins, this elegant wine can be enjoyed now and over the next five to seven years at least. 93pts.” Sam Kim Wine Orbit loves its "…beautifully rounded palate offering fine texture and grainy tannins.93pts" and Jeni Port, WinePilot agrees and encourages people to try it: "“Yes, it’s Merlot. Yes, it’s flying solo without a safety net (aka Cabernet). Try and cast the usual Australian drinker concerns about the grape aside and give it a go. The winemaker clearly has confidence, you should, too. You won’t be disappointed. It’s a beaut, medium in body with plenty of elegance and aromatic energy. Typical Yarra Valley plushness here brings a lovely depth of flavour highlighting rose, raspberry, black cherry, gentle vanillin oak spice with a touch of leafiness. Beautifully composed with fine tannins in total unison. Love the sprig of dried herbs, pepper and anise on the finish that keeps things rolling on. 93pts” The Magdziarz family bought Warramunda in 2027 and have built themselves a solid reputation using biodynamic viticulture – with a deep respect for the surrounding landscape and a vision for terroir-driven wines, now made by daughter Olivia Zak-Magdziarz.

A true "Super Tuscan" Lamaione was first made in 1991 from Merlot grapes planted in the vineyard that carries it's name in the 1970's. With its marine clay-rich soils and south-western exposure, the Lamaione vineyard is located 300 metres above sea level. The grapes were carefully selected, hand-picked and placed in crates. Once at the cellar, the grapes were destemmed and sorted by hand. Fermentation took place at a controlled temperature in steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 24 months in 80% new French oak barriques, followed by further ageing period of 12 months in the bottle. The sunlight and heat during the year give the Lamaione wine extraordinary strength and richness. It has an intense and impenetrable ruby-red colour. The nose reveals wonderful hints of cherry jam and plum. Notes of rhubarb, graphite, dark chocolate, liquorice and roasted coffee are also intriguing. It is plush and well-rounded when tasted, dense while silky-smooth at the same time, the tannins and length are truly remarkable.

L’Epiphanie de Saint-Estèphe comes from a very fine estate in Bordeaux’s legendary St-Estèphe appellation in the northernmost part of the Médoc – one of only two Second Growths. (There are actually no First Growths in St-Estèphe, so this is pretty much top of the tree.) First Growth Château Lafite is just across a stream to the south, which gives you an idea of the hallowed terroir we’re talking about. We can’t reveal which estate this wine comes from, but we can tell you that two of its Grand Vins from the legendary 2009 & 2010 vintages were rated a perfect 100 points by the great Robert Parker – wines that sell for nearly $200 per bottle! It's compellingly aromatic – a seductive scent of violets and ripe red fruit. The luscious palate delivers concentrated cassis and plum, with touches of mineral and cherry on the long, sensuous, minerally, finish. It's a sublime example of the lavish St Estephes from this great estate, silky smooth, velvety, complex and long.

Colour and Condition: Deep brick red hue; bright condition. Nose: A really youthful appeal, with an immediate impression of dark fruit aromas black berries, mulberries and black currants. A second viewing shows the beginnings Merlots darker side, with tar, leather and earth just starting to add complexity into the background. Palate: The classic Merlot palate, with rich, dark berry flavours like black jubes filling the front and mid palate. Firm tannin then takes over and gives the wine a linear, astringent but not too aggressive finish, which is juicy and concentrated.

In every wine region there are hidden gems, and Bordeaux is no exception. Chateau Chantecaille Clauzel is a tiny (0.4ha) patch of vines right on the border between St-Emilion and Pomerol, wedged in by vines owned owned by Chateaux LEvangile and La Dominique. Illustrious near-neighbours include Cheval Blanc, Petrus and Gazin. Chance, a proud family history and local politics account for its survival. If the cards had fallen differently Chantecaille Clauzels fruit would be incorporated in a much more famous and much more expensive wine. Chantecaille Clauzel is essentially Merlot, with a little Cabernet Franc. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and matured in seasoned barriques (just five or six of them) at the Clauzel familys nearby Chateau Guillot Clauzel.

This Merlot is medium to full bodied, displaying bold notes of black dark cherry and plum. The palate is lengthy and generous, followed by layers of vanilla bean and hints of mocha to finish.

The Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2021 is a stunning representation of the Tuscan terroir. This bold and complex red wine is crafted by Marchesi Mazzei, a renowned winery based in Italy. In the glass, this vintage boasts a deep ruby hue with glints of purple, inviting the senses to explore further. On the nose, aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and hints of spice intertwine with subtle notes of leather and tobacco. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a velvety texture, revealing flavors of dark berries, cocoa, and a touch of earthiness. The tannins are well-integrated, providing a smooth and lingering finish. Overall, the Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2021 is a masterpiece that perfectly balances tradition and modernity, making it an excellent addition to any wine lover's collection.