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.

The 2020 vintage of Chateau Puyblanquet from Bordeaux, France is a true expression of the terroir of the region. With a deep ruby red colour, this wine immediately catches the eye and invites you in for a taste. On the nose, aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and dark cherries mingle with hints of cedar and tobacco. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-structured, with smooth tannins and a balanced acidity. Flavours of dark fruit, including blackcurrants and blackberries, dominate the palate, accompanied by subtle notes of vanilla and spice. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a satisfying warmth in the mouth. This 2020 vintage of Chateau Puyblanquet is a testament to the exceptional quality of the grapes and the skilled winemaking techniques of the château. A true delight for any wine lover.

Petaluma Merlot is medium body with a brick red colour, the superbly perfumed bouquet is a tangle of marzipan, spice, plum and confectionery and is the best nose of the early Petalumas. On the palate, flavours of cherry, plum and spice emerge, with very good depth and complexity.