Blackjack Cabernet Merlot 2006 A wine of individuality and extraordinary personality, built around the prominent tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon, cushioned by the plummy softness from a smaller component of good Bendigo Merlot. The philosophy at Blackjack is to not interfere with the vinification, in a sense, to let the grapes and the vintage do the talking. A medium weight palate with sweet, clear cassis fruit, soft rounded tannins and a firm, fleshy finish. "Bold, spiced Bendigo region red, garnet-hued, cherry brandy and licorice scents.

Chrismont Cabernet Merlot 2000 Vintage 2000 began with an early budburst starting speculations of an early vintage. Cool days and nights with adequate rainfall allowed vines to grow unstressed and flowering and fruit set was still early. Palate: Red currant, plum, leather and tobacco with a vibrant, Merlot-driven mid-palate finishing with a dry and pleasing finish. Food: Duck, robust risotto and cassoulet.

Chrismont Merlot 2008 The Chrismont vineyards initially supported one of Australia's largest tobacco growing operations. Chrismont have since become synonymous with the production of high quality Alpine and King Valley wines, the Merlot varietal being a standout performer. Fragrances of red currant interplay with suggestions of leather and spice. On tasting, there are ripe characters of currant and plum, cherry flavours and more sweet plummy fruit integrated with cedar and vanilla, further elements of warm spice, dark chocolate, leather and leaf are expressed.

dArenberg Galvo Garage Cab Franc Merlot Verdot 2006 The Garagists are producers in Bordeaux making great wines in their garage outside of the Appellation Controlee system. They are produced in the shed or garage of boutique winemakers dedicated to making small-volume wines of the highest quality. Green runner-bean and fine-toasted, French oak, cedar notes come through as the wine opens. The palate is ripe and has an impressive elegance upon entry and then you are struck with the overwhelming complexity and presence.

David Traeger Cabernet Merlot 2003 Cellared by David Traeger until recent release, the 2003 has developed beautifully and expresses a sensational growing season . Cabernet Sauvignon, with a dash of Petit Verdot, and a larger proportion of Merlot has been matured for twelve months under a combination of good French Nevers oak hogsheads, yielding a complex wine with an earthy palate and well evolved, aged flavours. The complexity of the blend comes through with hints of wet earth and truffle, chocolate and tobacco. On the tongue are flavours of red currant and blackberry, stewed cranberries and fruit preserves, the sweet and savoury flavours are well supported by good oak hints.

De Bortoli Sacred Hill Cabernet Merlot 2008 Sacred Hill enjoys an awesome reputation for offering great everyday drinking pleasure, combined with pedigree and excellent value. The Cabernet Merlot in particular, grown to mature vineyards around the sunny climes of the Riverina, has a history of winning prestigious awards. Medium bodied with aromas of dark fruits and understated oak, a generous wine that shows vibrant fruit on the rich palate with soft mouthcoating tannins. "For a wine in this price range, this is longer and denser than most and it has a softness of fruit characters.

Devils Lair Fifth Leg Red Blend 2008 Why the fifth leg? Recognised as one of Margaret River's great winemaking estates, Devil's Lair is situated on the southern end of Leeuwin Peninsula and produces some of the most meritorious wines in Western Australia. Devil's Lair know about stylish red blends and have brought their smart vinification techniques to bare on a complex cépage of varietals. Juicy on the palate, cherries and plums from the tender Merlot component, the underlying chocolateyness of the subtle oak combined with lovely Shiraz spice and all things nice. A complex and inviting wine, very classically Fifth Leg, the bright inviting fruit flavours and full middle palate are finished by subtle but present tannins.

Diamond Valley Cabernet Merlot 2004 Parcels of the best Cabernet Sauvignon to be found anywhere in the Yarra Valley have been vinified alongside an equivalent component of fine Merlot. "Delivered with a healthy whack of alcohol, Diamond Valley's Cab/merlots invariably show true elegance, fully fleshed wines with suppleness and captivating complexity. The virulent bouquets develop into winegum characters on the palate, flavours of mulberries and cherry, plum pudding, cocoa and allspice. Drinking beautifully now after a spell of bottle development, and representing superior value, to accompany burgundy styled beef casserole or ripe, hard cheeses.

Evans Tate Gnangara Cabernet Merlot 2009 Gnangara have consistently delivered opulent, mouth filling red wines which are charged with the definitive regional West Australian charm. "A wine with a lot of finesse, this blend of cabernet and merlot presents like a liqueured blackberry torte, within a gift box of aromatic, cigarbox oak. Engaging aromas of blackberry, reduced stock and earth, hints of menthol and warming cedar oak. A fresh palate that is softly textured with fine tannins, fresh red berries, sweet/ sour cherry, and a hint of roasted coffee bean.

Evans Tate Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2008 The archetypal Margaret River complex red blend, fashioned to extravagant Bordelais styling by one of West Australia's dauntless winemakers. Evans & Tate command a wide expanse of source vineyards and mesoclimes developed in earlier times, which are now yielding vigorous, well endowed fruit. Dusty cedar notes from maturation in quality French oak provide additional complexity. A lively wine that's full of blackberry and dark cherry and fresh toasty vanilla/ mocha, sawn oak characters which are nicely balanced against the fruit.