We think this is the answer to Merlot-lovers prayers – a smooth, heavenly, great value red made from carefully selected vineyard sites across South Australia.

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.

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.

This glorious, 91pt, FIVE-time Gold-medal claret comes from Ludovic Roussillon – who also co-owns a small property with the Thienpont family of legendary (and extraordinarily expensive) Château Le Pin. Bordeaux is where our story began 40 years ago...So we’ve plenty of friends, like Ludovic. His Château lies across the river from our exclusive cellar Le Chai au Quai. The soils here are rich in limestone and quick draining, which concentrates the rich flavours of the grapes. The result here is a lavishly rich and expressive wine that definitely impresses. We love it!

A luscious Gold-medal Merlot from the great John Quarisa. It's smooth and complex, with velvety black forest fruits and a juicy plummy note. The palate is silky and lovely. It’s a brilliant partner to pan-fried lamb cutlets. John Quarisa’s lovely Caravan Petite Sirah has become a cult-classic with our customers. But will his velvety Merlot knock the Petite Sirah off its perch?