Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous and widely planted red grape varieties in the world. It is immensely popular in Australia, where world-class wines are made in Coonawarra, Margaret River and the Yarra Valley. Each region has a distinctive character, but all tend to be more fruit-forward than those from France. Coonawarra has a distinct mint or Eucalypt aroma, Margaret River has a more tomato leaf character, while Yarra Valley is more elegant in style.
Its original home is Bordeaux, where it is the dominant grape on the left bank, Medoc and Graves. In Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon tends to be blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot. In the New World, it is both blended and made as a straight varietal. Excellent wines are also produced in the Napa Valley and Chile's Maipo Valley. The grapes are thick-skinned providing the characteristic high tannins and deep colour. The Cabernet Sauvignon wines tend to show fragrant cassis, herbaceous, full-bodied with high acid.
Merlot in Australia is not a variety you will often see unblended, until recently. It is most often used to add suppleness and mid-palate to Cabernet’s stern, serious structure. In Australia, Merlot is now achieving considerable recognition as a varietal wine. Merlot blended wines are available from the warmer inland regions, such as Riverina, Riverland and Murray Darling. Single varietal Merlot from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale produces a softer dry plummy wine. Whereas the cooler climates such as the Yarra Valley and Margaret River tends to take on more savoury characters with firmer tannins.
It is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux, France where planting has rapidly expanded throughout the world in the last decade. Merlot is adaptable to most soils, is relatively simple to cultivate and is a naturally high yielding. In St Emilion and Pomerol, it withstands the moist clay-rich soils far better than Cabernet, producing opulently rich, plummy wines. Le Pin, Pétrus and Clinet are examples of some of the best (and most expensive) Merlot based wines.
Merlot is now grown in virtually all wine growing countries and is particularly successful in New Zealand, California, Chile and Northern Italy. New Zealand's Hawkes Bay is producing outstanding Merlot-based blends, especially from the Gimblett Gravels.
Its original home is Bordeaux, where it is the dominant grape on the left bank, Medoc and Graves. In Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon tends to be blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot. In the New World, it is both blended and made as a straight varietal. Excellent wines are also produced in the Napa Valley and Chile's Maipo Valley. The grapes are thick-skinned providing the characteristic high tannins and deep colour. The Cabernet Sauvignon wines tend to show fragrant cassis, herbaceous, full-bodied with high acid.
Merlot in Australia is not a variety you will often see unblended, until recently. It is most often used to add suppleness and mid-palate to Cabernet’s stern, serious structure. In Australia, Merlot is now achieving considerable recognition as a varietal wine. Merlot blended wines are available from the warmer inland regions, such as Riverina, Riverland and Murray Darling. Single varietal Merlot from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale produces a softer dry plummy wine. Whereas the cooler climates such as the Yarra Valley and Margaret River tends to take on more savoury characters with firmer tannins.
It is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux, France where planting has rapidly expanded throughout the world in the last decade. Merlot is adaptable to most soils, is relatively simple to cultivate and is a naturally high yielding. In St Emilion and Pomerol, it withstands the moist clay-rich soils far better than Cabernet, producing opulently rich, plummy wines. Le Pin, Pétrus and Clinet are examples of some of the best (and most expensive) Merlot based wines.
Merlot is now grown in virtually all wine growing countries and is particularly successful in New Zealand, California, Chile and Northern Italy. New Zealand's Hawkes Bay is producing outstanding Merlot-based blends, especially from the Gimblett Gravels.
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As with all Zilzie wines, this represents outstanding value and superb quality for the price. Perfect every day wine from one of the oldest wine producing families in Australia. ... Learn MoreZILZIE 'SELECTION 23' MERLOT 2019$11.99 Per item -
As with all Zilzie wines, this represents outstanding value and superb quality for the price. Perfect every day wine from one of the oldest wine producing families in Australia. ... Learn MoreZILZIE 'SELECTION 23' MERLOT 2018$11.99 Per item -
Lifted red berries, mint, stone fruits and sweet cherries. The palate features plum, spice and forest fruit flavours balanced by chocolate and vanilla oak notes, finishing with good length and soft fine tannins. Outstanding value! "This shows a lot of “ ... Learn MoreNORFOLK RISE MERLOT 2016$12.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Giesen's Estate Merlot is a wine that's very approachable in youth and suitable for any occasion. The fruit is sourced from a premium Gisborne vineyard, producing a Merlot with good fruit intensity and a touch of complexity through restrained use ... Learn MoreGIESEN MERLOT 2018$13.99 Per item -
The Elephant in the Room wines are proudly large in scale and expansive in flavour. Ignoring fashion and braving the scorn of “wine thought police”, Elephant in the Room was created to give consumers exactly what they want – full bodied ... Learn MoreELEPHANT IN THE ROOM CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018$13.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A lifted and expressive nose of red berries, blackcurrants and distinct varietal tobacco leaf and forest floor. The palate is fruit-driven and vibrant with an open and approachable core of supple berried fruits, plums and cassis building to a ripe ... Learn MoreELEPHANT IN THE ROOM CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017$13.99 Per itemOut of stock -
WINNER- Gold Medal, Limestone Coast Wine show. The Zilzie Regional Collection showcases textbook examples of varietal & regional expressions whilst being excellent value for money. Coonawarra is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, and this wine is a wonderful expression of the ... Learn MoreZILZIE 'COONAWARRA' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018$14.99 Per item -
The Zilzie Regional Collection showcases textbook examples of varietal & regional expressions whilst being excellent value for money. Coonawarra is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, and this wine is a wonderful expression of the style. A rich nose of blackcurrants, plums ... Learn MoreZILZIE 'COONAWARRA' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
12 months in tight grain French and American oak. The nose has primarily lifted strawberry and plum fruit characters. Medium bodied with an abundance of the primary characters carried through from the nose of plum and strawberry there is also a ... Learn MoreTHORN CLARKE 'SANDPIPER' MERLOT 2017$14.99 Per item -
Sourced from a selection of mature vineyards (20 years old) planted on red Terra Rossa soils of Coonawarra (20 years plus). The nose displays aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and dusty cedar oak. The palate is a burst of rich, sweet dark / blue ... Learn MoreTAKE IT TO THE GRAVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018$17.00 Per item -
The United Cellars 'Varietal' Range brings you the most popular varieties, made by some of the best and most-respected winemakers for an unbeatable price. Designed for immediate enjoyment, the Varietal Range promises to provide a quality wine to suit every ... Learn More -
The Climbing Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from grapes harvested from the estate’s best Cabernet blocks in the Orange region. A lifted perfumed aroma of small red berries. The palate is savoury with cool leafy characters, subtle French oak and ... Learn MoreCLIMBING CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016$17.99 Per item -
Sourced from 2 vineyards between Barossa & Eden Valley, this delicious Cabernet exhibits aromas of blackcurrant, dried herbs, and a savoury, earthy lift with undertones of leather. The palate is medium bodied, savoury & earthy. Chalky cabernet tanins underscoring a blue fruited core. ... Learn MoreWOODS CRAMPTON WHITE LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016$17.99 Per item -
WINNER; James Halliday's Wine Companion 2020 WINERY OF THE YEAR! A wonderful Cabernet made exclusively for United Cellars by 3rd generation wine maker, Tom Barry. Blackcurrant and dried herbs on the nose with hints of smoke. Juicy cassis, raspberry and blackberry ... Learn More -
A wonderful, complex & rich Cabernet made exclusively for United Cellars by the highly regarded Joe Grilli of Primo Estate. Incredibly intense perfume and complexity with ripe dark fruits of the forest and a nutmeg spicy lift. Rich chocolate and mocha ... Learn More -
The high altitude, age and aspect of Orange and in particular the Koomooloo vineyard has ideal conditions for producing a Pinot Noir of great complexity. The Conductor wears a medium colour with a bright red hue and smells of rich ... Learn MorePHILIP SHAW 'THE CONDUCTOR' MERLOT 2016$22.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The great structural elements of fine Margaret River Cabernet are embraced with the dark fruit of Malbec to make a very Vasse Felix style. After 12 months maturation in barrique where traditional oxidative handling helps to soften and round the tannin ... Learn MoreVASSE FELIX 'FILIUS' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017$24.99 Per item -
This Cabernet Sauvignon is from our most mature vineyards in Mt Barker with only the best parcels of fruit being selected for the ‘Book Ends’. This is classic cool climate Cabernet with it’s deep colour, rich plum fruit aromas ... Learn MoreWEST CAPE HOWE 'BOOK ENDS' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016$28.00 Per item -
Yarra Valley Cabernet does very well under the watch of Punt Road's Tim Shand. The nose displays aromas of ripe berry-fruits and anise, with dark chocolate notes and hints of French oak. The palate is juicy with savoury varietal flavours ... Learn MorePUNT ROAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017$31.99 Per item -
Maturation for 13 months in 50% French (10% new) and 50% older American oak barriques has added complexity and suppleness. A complex array of ripe fruit and oak. Vibrant dark berry fruits and hints of blackcurrant combined with subtle notes of dark chocolate and ... Learn MoreKATNOOK ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016$34.99 Per item -
Lavishly flavoured yet supple, this powerhouse rendition should appeal to many a Merlot devotee. A complex array of ripe fruit and oak on the nose. Plum, coffee and cedar combined with subtle notes of dark chocolate and cedar. Complex layers ... Learn MoreKATNOOK ESTATE MERLOT 2016$34.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Year-in and year-out this is wine is a cellar staple, and consistently over-performs for the price. For some extra value, each bottle comes with a gift box, vacuum pump and bottle stopper! Wild berries, black olive and rhubarb notes. Fragrant ... Learn MoreWYNNS BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012$39.99 Per item -
Has a brooding, savoury nose with some dark fruit/plum notes starting to show through. Generous fruit on the palate – almost a lush Pomerol feel though all framed by fine, chalky tannins. Long, firm finish - this will do superbly ... Learn MoreBLUE POLES ‘RESERVE’ MERLOT 2016$40.00 Per item -
Sourced from a single vineyard located at Sweetwater Ridge in the northern Belford end of the Lower Hunter Valley. Since 1844 the soils of Sweetwater Hermitage have been the foundation for some of the oldest known vineyards in the Hunter Valley. ... Learn MoreSWEETWATER HUNTER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008$50.00 Per item -
A Cabernet with balance, freshness and drinkability at a young age. As always, very much in the blueberry fruit spectrum on the nose with ripe leafy cassis notes. Very energetic dark wine with beautifully ripe fruit flavours. The palate is ... Learn MoreMAYER CABERNET 2018$50.00 Per item -
96 Points - James Halliday A very masculine cabernet, beautifully structured. Aromas of sandalwood, black berries and hints of cedar cigar box. "The flavours are deep and deceptively powerful, tannins plentiful, but submerged in the fruit, the overall balance and length ... Learn MoreDALWHINNIE 'MOONAMBEL' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015$55.00 Per item -
It smells comforting at first, but as the drinker delves, the bouquet unveils mossy, damp forest earth, and then fresher, leafy greens emerge with their tannins. Medium bodied, strawberry and plum, savoury, grainy graphite tannin, cool acidity, tomato paste flavour ... Learn More -
The Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon is without a doubt one of the finest wines in the in distinguished Hickinbotham range. The pretty topnote aromas of bergamot and blueberry cover the first impressions of flavour. Step two is the strapping acid-and-tannin realisation; ... Learn More -
100% Merlot matured in French oak for 15 months. ... Learn MoreHICKINBOTHAM CLARENDON VINEYARD 'THE REVIVALIST' MERLOT 2015$72.99 Per itemOut of stock -
100% Merlot matured in French oak for 15 months. ... Learn MoreHICKINBOTHAM CLARENDON VINEYARD 'THE REVIVALIST' MERLOT 2016$74.99 Per itemOut of stock -
"Stonestreet Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a pure reflection of our high-elevation vineyard estate, showcasing the wide variety of facings, soils and flora found on its primary ridge." Vibrant aromas of brambly blackberry, black currant, smoky tobacco leaf, and sage dominate, ... Learn MoreSTONESTREET ESTATE CABERNET 2015$79.00 Per item -
This wine will repay serious cellaring and develop to full bottle bouquet at around 20 to 25 years of age. After that, it will continue to provide enjoyable drinking until at least 40 years of age. ... Learn MoreMOSS WOOD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016$119.99 Per item -
Vinification: Picking date determined by berry sensory analysis. Hand-picked and sorted by clonal batches. Fully-destemmed then lightly crushed, fermentation in small stainless-steel vats by clonal batches at 23c with remontage twice-daily for 7 days. Racked into barrels to complete fermentation then ... Learn MoreMERITE ULTRA MERLOT 2015$120.00 Per itemOut of stock -
From one of the most highly revered Cabernet vineyards in Australia producing world class wines. This wine shows incredible tension and finesse of tannin. 2014 has produced some of the most profound Cabernets from Margaret River that we've ever seen. 96% Cabernet ... Learn MoreWOODLANDS 'MATTHEW' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014$129.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The palate is structured and masculine, exerting a firm grip in the mouth, spicier than its peers with cracked black pepper complementing the black fruit, tobacco and smoke towards the structured finish. There is great length here, very persistent in ... Learn MoreARNOT-ROBERTS 'CLAJEUX VINEYARD' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013$189.99 Per item -
Cullen Vineyard, with its land, vines, wines and people… is my life’s work. Over the 3 decades of working at Cullen the love for Cabernet Sauvignon has deepened. Planted in 1971, it is the heart and soul of what we do ... Learn MoreCULLEN 'VANYA FULL MOON' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017$490.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Cullen Vineyard, with its land, vines, wines and people… is my life’s work. Over the 3 decades of working at Cullen the love for Cabernet Sauvignon has deepened. Planted in 1971, it is the heart and soul of what we do ... Learn MoreCULLEN 'VANYA FLOWER DAY' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017$490.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The third release of this exceptional wine, pure expression of an outstanding Cullen Wilyabrup vintage. Truly a world class wine - comparable with the greatest producers of Europe. "Cullen’s extraordinary ‘Vanya’ release created quite a stir from 2012, and returns ... Learn MoreCULLEN 'VANYA' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016$490.00 Per itemOut of stock -
99 Points - James Halliday. The second release of this exceptional wine, pure expression of an outstanding Cullen Wilyabrup vintage. Truly a world class wine - comparable with the greatest producers of Europe. "Cullen’s extraordinary ‘Vanya’ release created quite a ... Learn MoreCULLEN 'VANYA' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015$490.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Takes inspiration from the lauded reds France's Pauillac. 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. On the nose sweet red and black fruits abound; red and black plum, ripe redcurrant and tart black cherry. Balancing the fruit are ... Learn MoreVERITE 'LA JOIE' CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011$499.99 Per item
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