Blaye, on the Right Bank of the Gironde, offers outstanding claret at affordable prices. This is thanks to a growing number of producers determined to match the standards of Saint-Emilion nearby. Les Grands Maréchaux has been on top form since new owners, Christopher Reboul Salze and Etienne Barre, bought it in 1997. They introduced the legendary Stéphane Derenoncourt as consultant (he has worked at many top Saint-Emilion estates, including La Mondotte, Canon La Gaffelière and Pavie Macquin). A fine Merlot-rich claret that always offers exceptional value and here with a decade of age. Stand the bottle upright to allow any sediment to drop to the bottom. Then pour carefully. Enjoy with simple game, roast chicken or mushroom goulash.

The deep and bright plum colour of Sevenhill Inigo Merlot is owed to pampered care, patience and grooming given to this Clare Valley varietal. The captivating bouquet of this delicious wine exudes fragrances of plums and ripe raspberries. The medium-bodied palate is juicy, with a subtle mouthfeel of tannins. The finish is long, marked by flavours of spice and fruitcake on maturation. The wine can be enjoyed young with dishes like Beef Rendang, or beef and olive empanadas.

A fresh contemporary style of Merlot from Jacob's Creek produces a luscious medium bodied wine that has ripe plum and berry fruit flavours in harmony with soft grape and oak tannins giving length and texture.

Leconfield Merlot has big and juicy dark fruits, soft tannins all supported by lovely French oak. Paul Gordon continues to produce a serious Merlot for a great price, year in, year out. His Merlot is also one that will benefit from a little sit in the medium term cellar.

Audrey Wilkinsons Merlot is a mellow, easy approaching style that is packed with ripe plum aromas and subtle oak. It is matured in French and American oak for 18 months, giving the wine soft tannins and a flavoursome finish.

The high altitude Orange region is producing some outstanding Merlot and this release, made by Debbie Lauritz, is a great example. Aromas of dried herb and currant are supported with sweet fruit flavours.

Deep purple in colour, this Merlot has an attractive nose of ripe red berries and cassis. The palate is soft and generous with plenty of sweet, juicy flavours. Great drinking and a great price!

Chancellor & Co Merlot is slightly oaked for a backdrop of character, leaving a heady aroma of dark berry and ripe plums to shine through. Once this rich red hits your palate, expect plummy fruits and sharp blackberry to dominate.

This blend expertly balances Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot characters to create a well balanced and full bodied wine. Flavours of lifted dark fruits of plum, ripe cherry, blackberry and mulberry, with hints of chocolate and vanillin from oak maturation.