This vibrant Merlot exhibits crushed dark berry, cocoa and cedar aromas that are echoed on the palate. Fine tannins support the fruit for a smooth, lingering finish.

Carmen can see Frida Kahlo reflected in their wines... Wines that are surprising, inspiring, daring, bright and refreshing, like some of the many characteristics that Frida Kahlo had. This Merlot has a bright ruby red colour. On the nose, notes of fresh red fruits such as cherries and hints of vanilla along with sweet spices such as cloves, can be appreciated. It is a wine of good volume, balanced and with velvety tannins.

The Casillero del Diablo Merlot is bright dark and deep purple. Subtle aromas of chocolate, dark plums, red berries and spices, with hints of vanilla and smoke. Medium-bodied, with lovely tannins, velvety texture, rich and a long, pretty finish.

Started in 1642, Château de Fontarèche is one of the most historical estates in the Languedoc. The Château is surrounded by 160 hectares of vines, which are sustainably farmed. This Merlot has an expressive red fruit character with notes of fresh Mediterranean herbs. The palate is structured around refined tannins and a fruity finish, supported by a fine minerality.

The McDonald Series wines are an expression of both their fruit and the vision of their namesake winemaker. Grown on gravel soils in Hawke's Bays' warmest sub regions, these vineyards typically produce rich Merlot displaying dense, brooding plum and dark berry fruit. This is complimented by subtle notes of violet, spice, earthy undertones and hints of dark chocolate. The palate is rich, weighty and long, driven by a firm yet fine-grained tannin structure. For quality reasons this wine is unfiltered and decanting is recommended.

Found in 1897, Church Road combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern thinking and innovation to craft premium, complex wines. Grown on the gravel soils of Hawke's Bay's warmest sub-regions, this is a supple fragrant Merlot dominant blend. A core of rich plum and berry fruit is enhanced by lifted floral nots, hints of thyme and subtle earthy undertones. Oak maturation has delivered increased depth and complex of cedar, spice and cacao.

This iconic, full-bodied red wine is only produced in exceptional vintages and represents the best that the region produces. Crafted from grapes that are hand-harvested from low yielding vineyards from the Gimblett Gravels winegrowing district, this wine was made using traditional winemaking techniques to emphasise complexity of flavour, aroma, power and elegance on the palate with a structure that provides great ageing potential.

A refined and elegant hand-crafted Merlot dominant blend that represents both the Vigneron's art and an inherent understanding of the land, ensuring 'Sophia' is the finest expression of the terroir and the people. 'Sophia', meaning 'wisdom' in Greek mythology, pays tribute to the goddess of knowledge and experience, information and understanding - a philosophy adopted by our winemakers and viticulturists when crafting this wine. Subtle notes of wild thyme and sage seamlessly blend with plum, fruit cake and brioche. The mid-palate suppleness and sweetness are already so enticing and sure to appeal to loyal followers of this wine. Recommended cellaring of 10 - 15 years from vintage.

Te Kahu means 'the cloak' in te reo Maori and refers to the mist that envelops Giants Winery in the Tukituki Valley. Legend has it that this mist was used to protect a mythical Maori maiden from the sun as she visited her lover Te Mata. This is a wine of richness and an abundance of black fruit flavours and a long structured finish. Deepest crimson red. Brooding aromatically with notes of cassis, black olive and dried tobacco enveloping a dense core of blue fruits. The wine has a lovely focus on the palate with dark fruits framed by fine tannins to deliver a classical structure with an excellent future ahead.

With his inspiring energy and lifelong dedication to pioneering progression in the wine industry, Cuvar is the vision of legendary wine entrepreneur, Sir George Fistonich. The Iris collection is a contemporary celebration of classic, regional varieties. The Merlot sets up the palate's ripeness and structure while the Cabernet Franc compliments with sweet dried basil notes.

This is a smooth and fruit orientated Gimblett Gravels blend. Deep purple in colour, it has a bouquet of dried herbs, red berries and subtle hints of cedar from a period of barrel maturation.

Aromas of plum, dark berry fruit, vanilla, mocha, and warm toasted oak notes on the nose lead to berry and plum fruit flavours. Juicy in style with smooth tannins.