A pioneer of Merlot, James Irvine has produced an attractive plump style with leafy plum and mulberry flavours. The perfect match with crown of lamb.

The Classic Collection Merlot by Grant Burge is an attractive modern style Merlot that is jam-packed full of all the fruit flavours Merlot lovers have come to adore; Plum, Blueberry and Blackcurrant. Along with that dense fruitiness comes a medium weight in the palate that isn't overladen with sweetness which lends itself magnificently to food pairing with a lean pork and chickpea salads.

Amelia Park, although a recent player in the Margaret River Wine scene, have made an astonishing impact. Jeremy Gordon takes a hands on approach to all things at his winery and the results are for everyone to see. Already a multi award-winner, the Amelia Park Cabernet Merlot is a seamless wine that is wonderfully medium-bodied with a fine acid backbone that simply sings from beginning to end.

Always regarded as one of Margaret River's favourite wineries due to the inherant quality. Forester Estate seems to marry beautifully with their value-for-money philosophy. This Cabernet Merlot continues to win wide acclaim due to its dark purple colour and its lifted aromas of raspberries and black forest cake. Rich berry flavours are well balanced by a tight tannin structure typical of quality Margaret River Cabernets. The other great bonus is the ability of this great Cab blend to morph into a true cellar star.

Château La Fleur Pétrus is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant red blend. Vintage 2010 has the great balance between the intensity of the fruits, acidity and oak flavour. Ripe black fruits and jammy cherries with a hint of meaty back tone. Full body with pronounced tannins, elegantly put together. Perfect for those who love to cellar their reds.

The 2008 release of this took out the prestigious tri-nations award. The 2009 from a stronger vintage looks even better. A classicist?s Merlot; plum and cassis supported by fine tannin.

Pete Bissell from Balnaves consistently produces Cabernet of highest order and this little beauty that falls under the $20 mark is just perfect as a cellar starter. Gentle mintiness on the nose. Dusty tannins frame a fantastic medium weighted structured wine. Lovely fruit intensity terrific with BBQ lamb or all on its own.

At last an affordable Merlot with some real varietal character! Grant Burge Hillcot range has soft ripe red berry and raspberry aromas on the nose. Followed by ripe plum and cherry flavours enhanced by well-integrated oak.

From one of Margaret River's best and original producers, Vasse Felix comes this excellent Cabernet Merlot blend has great concentration of blackcurrant fruit with cedary oak and fine tannins - a style with elegance and finesse rather than power.

Château Pavie Macquin is stunningly situated on the clay-limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion on the right bank of Bordeaux. In recent years, the introducing of biodynamic viticulture and modernised winemaking techniques promoted the Château to a Premier Grand Cru Classé classification in 2006. Vintage 2007, a traditional blend dominated by Merlot with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon brings a rich palate brimming with ripe berry fruit flavour with slight undertones of tobacco and mint leaf.