Merlot
Merlot
Pentage 2017 Hiatus Red
Ripe cherry, red plum and vanilla lead into black plum, blackcurrant and a gentle savoury note. The palate is medium-bodied and fruit-forward, with soft tannins and balanced acidity keeping the generous blend easy to drink. Petite Sirah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Tempranillo and Syrah bring breadth without heaviness. Serve with burgers, lamb kebabs, chicken mole or smoky grilled vegetables.
Weinert 2011 Cavas de Weinert Cask Selection
Cedar and damp earth frame ripe black fruit, with thyme bringing a fresh herbal lift. The palate is deep and harmonious, its natural balance supported by firm structure and restrained elegance. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot are matured separately in selected casks for more than three years before blending. Dark fruit, cedar and herbs remain together through the composed finish.
Marchesi Antinori Guado al Tasso 2019 Bolgheri Superiore
Tobacco, liquorice and ripe plum shape a rich, inviting aroma, with balsamic lift and a measured touch of toasted coffee. The palate is pure and concentrated, carrying dark fruit through silky tannins and polished structure. Savoury depth builds without dulling the wine’s freshness or clarity. The finish is persistent and composed, returning to plum, dark herbs, coffee and fine-grained tannin.
Mt. Boucherie 2017 Summit 3 L
Black cherry, cassis and dark plum form a generous core, layered with anise, cigar leaf and measured oak spice. The palate is full and concentrated, yet fresh enough to keep the ripe fruit and velvety tannins in balance. Structured for further development, it is equally compelling now beside roast beef, lamb, venison or a deeply savoury mushroom dish.
Montes Alpha M 2016
Liquorice and dark cherry lead with cassis, sweet chestnut and nutmeg. The palate is concentrated but polished, layering ripe red and black fruit with tobacco, leather and dark chocolate. Red and black pepper bring definition while toasted oak stays integrated. The finish is long and composed, leaving blackcurrant, warm spice, fine tannins and a savoury echo.
Chateau Talbot 2012 Saint-Julien
Cassis, blackcurrant and red currant lead a polished aroma, joined by plum, roasted herbs and a restrained tarry note. The palate is juicy and rounded, with soft tannins, fresh acidity and a medium-bodied sense of balance. Cedar, liquorice and spice add savoury depth. The finish is persistent and composed, leaving dark berries, dried herbs and gentle mineral lift.
Elderton 2017 Ode to Lorraine
Black cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant lead the aroma, followed by blackberry and violet. Across the palate, those red and dark fruit notes remain clearly defined, with black tea providing a drier counterpoint. The sequence moves from bright raspberry toward deeper cassis and blackberry. The finish keeps the tea and violet notes in view, leaving fruit and florals closely aligned.
Springfield Estate 2018 The Work of Time
Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot form a classic red blend, fermented with native yeasts and given extended time in oak and bottle. Bitter chocolate, cigar box and forest floor sit beside rich fruit, while smooth tannins carry the palate. Two years of barrel maturation and four years of bottle ageing shape its layered, mature profile.
Château Cos d’Estournel 2015 Saint-Estèphe
Blackberry, plum and cassis open with nutmeg, clove and dried flowers. Full-bodied yet finely controlled, the palate layers ripe dark fruit over ultra-fine tannins, with tobacco, wet earth and subtle Asian spice adding depth. The texture is rich but polished, carrying the wine toward a long, elegant and beautifully integrated finish.
Château Haut-Vigneau 2015 Blaye 1.5L (Magnum)
Matured raspberry, strawberry and blueberry lead a full, expressive nose, with mineral detail and restrained oak in support. The palate is warm, round and rich, yet soft in texture, carrying the fruit with an easy, composed feel. A long, silky finish completes the profile. Serve with roast beef, veal or game.
Duckhorn 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Blackberry, cassis and blueberry liqueur shape a fragrant, deeply fruited nose. The palate expands through black cherry and dark plum, with firm tannins and clear acidity giving the fruit definition. Vanilla and tobacco emerge on the powerful, structured finish. Decant before serving with roast beef, grilled lamb or aged cheddar.
Duckhorn 2005 Merlot Napa
Blackcurrant and ripe cherry lead a full, richly layered palate, joined by dark chocolate, violet and liquorice. Smoky oak adds depth without obscuring the fruit, while dense, intricate tannins provide definition and length. Generous yet composed, it finishes with lingering dark berry and cocoa tones. Pair with lamb, roast beef or mushroom dishes.
Hedges Family Estate 2022 Red Mountain
Black raspberry and fig lead, layered with cocoa, rosemary, baking spice, toffee and vanilla. Full and lush on the palate, the wine combines generous fruit with a firm, grippy structure and bright acidity. The finish is savoury and composed, with mineral tension keeping the richness in balance. Serve with grilled lamb, braised beef, mushrooms or aged cheddar.
Chateau Pavie 2000 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Ripe black cherry and salty plum lead, layered with crushed rock, dried flowers, tobacco leaf, smoke, cocoa and liquorice. The palate is full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with abundant dark fruit carried by a stony mineral line. Long and powerful yet composed, it finishes with savoury freshness and remarkable persistence.
Continuum Estate 2017 Proprietary Red
Rated 98 points by James Suckling, this full-bodied red opens with blackberry, blackcurrant and cassis, lifted by mint and fresh sage. Wrought iron and pencil-shaving notes add savoury mineral depth. The palate is tight yet elegant, with plush tannins and lively tension carrying the fruit into a fine, focused finish. Serve with grilled ribeye, roast lamb or aged cheddar.
Continuum Estate 2016
Citrus blossom and rose petal aromas bring immediate vibrancy, followed by cassis, dark fruit, bergamot and dried wild herbs. The palate builds in power and richness, with cigar box and leather adding depth. Graphite and earthy minerality provide sinewy balance through the close. Decant and serve with roast beef or lamb.
Be Human 2018 Merlot Columbia Valley
Blackberry and blueberry lead this deep-coloured red, with gentle oak spice framing the fruit. The palate is soft and smooth, its Merlot core broadened by darker berry depth and a measured line of tannin. Generous without feeling heavy, it closes cleanly and lingers with polished fruit, warmth and easy balance.
Twomey 2013 Merlot Napa Valley
Black cherry, coffee and licorice open with creamy red fruit, followed by chocolate-covered cherry and a subtle savoury note. The palate is elegant and texturally plush, with velvety yet firm tannins keeping the Merlot focused rather than heavy. Red currant and plum carry into a fresh, composed finish.
OVID 2016 Napa Valley Red Wine
Mulberry, crushed raspberry and black cherry open with liquorice, forest floor, mocha and lifted spice. The palate is dense and powerful yet remarkably poised, combining ripe black fruit with fresh acidity and firm, grainy tannins. Leather, menthol and mineral detail gather through a long, layered finish. Decant before serving with rib steak, braised beef or roast lamb.
Narrative 2019 Red
Red fruit and fresh herbs open the nose, with dried sage and a mineral note adding savoury definition. The palate is juicy and approachable, layering plum, ripe raspberry and black cherry over subtle tannins. Lively acidity keeps the fruit bright, carrying a smooth black-cherry note through the finish.
Painted Rock 2020 Merlot
Cherry, blueberry and chocolate lead an inviting nose. The palate moves into blackcurrant and ripe cherry, with spice adding savoury definition around the fruit. Eighteen months in French oak brings quiet depth and polish without obscuring the wine’s freshness, carrying the dark fruit into a composed, persistent finish.
Painted Rock 2020 Red Icon
Black cherry, blackberry, plum and blueberry lead a layered, concentrated profile, with blackcurrant, spice and chocolate adding depth. The palate is firm but polished, showing composed tannins and enough freshness to keep the dark fruit in focus. Decant if serving now, particularly alongside roast beef, lamb or grilled mushrooms.
Poplar Grove 2020 Merlot
Black plum and toasted vanilla lead, followed by ripe black cherry, raspberry and red currant. The palate is medium-bodied and composed, with fresh, vibrant acidity carrying the fruit while soft, elegant tannins give it shape. A light herbaceous note and white pepper add savoury detail. Serve with roast pork, lamb, grilled sausages, mushrooms or tomato-braised dishes.
Mayhem 2018 Anarchy Merlot
Ripe strawberry, black cherry and raspberry-rhubarb pie lead a generous, layered nose, with milk chocolate and restrained French oak adding depth. The palate is youthful and structured, bringing the dark fruit into focus with fresh acidity. Peppery spice shapes the finish and keeps the wine poised rather than heavy.
Cassini 2018 Maximus Red
Cassis and black currant lead, joined by black pepper, dark berries, vanilla, cocoa and tobacco. Full-bodied and generous, the palate layers blackberry, raspberry and black cherry with measured oak and warm spice. Soft tannins keep the structure polished, carrying concentrated fruit and savoury detail through a long, silky and composed finish.
Rust 2020 Solus
Dense black cherry and blackberry meet espresso, dark chocolate and toasted cedar in a compact, full-bodied red. Chewy tannins frame the concentrated fruit, while a firm cocoa bitterness keeps the finish savoury and composed. Structured and cellar-worthy, it benefits from air and suits deeply flavoured beef or mushroom dishes.
Celler 9+ 2017 Medol Organic Tarragona
Fresh and lightly earthy, with plum and wild raspberry at the centre of a vivid red-fruited profile. A gentle natural spritz brings lift to the palate, while the texture remains easy and unforced. The finish stays bright and gently savoury. Serve cool rather than warm; its character suits charcuterie, grilled vegetables, roast poultry or casual Mediterranean dishes.
Tenuta San Guido 2020 Guidalberto Toscana IGT
Blackcurrant, wild cherry and ripe plum lead, with bay leaf, pressed violet, black olive, cedar and spice adding savoury detail. Medium-full and supple, the palate combines fresh acidity with fine, silky tannins and a polished core of dark fruit. Earth, tobacco and gentle mineral notes shape a taut, balanced finish.
Castello di Bolgheri 2019 Bolgheri Superiore
Graphite and kirsch open, followed by black raspberry, fresh leather, cedar and a floral hint of lavender. Full-bodied yet refined, the palate combines dense dark fruit with vibrant acidity and a silky, well-integrated tannic structure. Savoury Mediterranean herbs carry into a generous, lengthy finish. Serve with roast lamb, braised beef, porcini or aged pecorino.
Terre Magre 2020 Merlot Friuli DOC
Intense ruby in the glass, with ripe red fruit moving toward cherry, plum and a touch of delicate preserve. Dry, smooth and full-bodied, the palate is balanced by moderate acidity and sweet, finely textured tannins. The fruit remains generous but controlled, carrying softly into a rounded, approachable finish.










