The Angaston Road Growers range is all about honouring the often unsung heroes of the wine world, the growers. It is their intimate knowledge of the local terroir, the changes of season, and the varietals they tend to that ensure the special parcels of fruit that make it to the winery are in tip-top form to make quality wines like this fine Merlot from Coonawarra grower Mick Gillon.

Hailing from Cariñena, neighbour to Rioja, in northeast Spain, picked at peak of ripeness, it's bursting with silky ripe cherry and summer berry fruit. One of the oldest wine regions of Spain, Cariñena lies just southeast of Rioja, a land of ancient low-yield vines. Most of its vineyards nurture native varieties Garnacha, but this red shows its winemakers can excel equally well with international stars, including Merlot. This grape ripens to perfection in the arid rocky soils and hot sunshine. Mirlo Merlot is a smooth, full-of-fruit red for easy sipping. Served at a cool room temperature, it's a great party wine, and tasty with chicken, veggie kebabs or frittata.

A family estate since 1852, Château Haut Pougnan lies in the gently rolling hills of the Entre-Deux-Mers, just across the river Garonne from the famous names of the Right Bank. On their 34-hectare property, in Saint Genès de Lombaud, Merlot is the star grape, with Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role and a little Cabernet Franc, all ripening well on the southeast-facing slopes. 2020 was an exceptional vintage in Bordeaux with " a balance of richness and energy” wrote critic Antoni Galloni. Enjoy that power in this silky, well-ripened Cabernet blend. Delicious now (open early and decant) or cellar. A treat with roast meats.