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.
Shop By
-
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 2020$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 2019$11.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
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 2019$14.99 Per item -
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 presence ... Learn MoreThorn Clarke 'Sandpiper' Merlot 2018$14.99 Per item -
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 -
A generous, smooth Merlot from the Hawke's Bay wine region, 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 ... Learn MoreGiesen Merlot 2020$15.99 Per item -
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$15.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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$17.00 Per item -
Cabernet Sauvignon fruit was sourced from a Wilyabrup vineyard at the warmer, northern end of the Margaret River appellation. The harvested fruit was then sorted and crushed into open vats for a cool, extended ferment, which lasted up to 3 weeks. ... Learn MoreWise Wine Leaf Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Special Price $17.99 Per item Regular Price $35.00 Per item -
The site climate is strongly influenced by Geographe Bay, 5km to the north, and facilitates the production of wines with a large spectrum of flavours and characteristics. ... Learn MoreGallows Wine Co The Bommy Cabernet Sauvignon 2008$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The polish and vibrancy in this Parker Coonawarra Estate Favourite Son Cabernet Sauvignon are well married with supportive oak handling and grippy tannins ... Learn MoreParker Favourite Son Cabernet Sauvignon 2012$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Classic aromas of blackcurrant, plum and raspberry leaf, cigar box and freshly turned earth. Elegant, fine and long. An explosion of summer fruits and complex earthy notes suggesting a long future. The grapes were destemmed, crushed and fermented slowly for 2 ... Learn MoreSticks Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The southern hairy-nose wombat is small than other wombat but is stocky, robust and the proud state emblem of South Australia. Like the might of the little wombat, Little Giant iis crafted from premium regional fruit from established vineyards that ... Learn MoreLittle Giants Cabernet 2019$20.00 Per item -
A highly aromatic, Middle-Eastern allure - warm toasted spice, dark chocolate and the classic McLaren Vale Cabernet aromas of cassis, plum and blackcurrant. The palate has a lovely fine, long line and crunchy textural tannins. This is a bright, playful ... Learn MoreCoriole Songbird Cabernet Sauvignon 2018$21.99 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 -
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 MoreUnited Cellars Selection 'Coonawarra Cabernet By Tom Barry' 2017$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
RockBare Cabernet is a great example of how well this region handles this fickle variety. Dense, smoky with sweet spice and dense dark chocolate on the palate. Drink this round, rich winter red with mature hard cheese. Made by Peter ... Learn MoreRockbare Cabernet Sauvignon 2017$22.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon uses fruit produced from 40 year old vines on the Follett family vineyard, situated on the Bremer flood plain at Langhorne Creek. Traditional open fermentation was employed followed by maturation in French oak barriques for 20 months, prior to ... Learn MoreLake Breeze Cabernet Sauvignon 2018$23.99 Per item
-
Located at the southern end of McLaren Vale, the soil here is heavy grey loam mixed with black Biscay clay and sits above ancient Ngaltinga formation bedrock. Very fragrant and clearly defined, classic varietal expression of Cabernet Sauvignon with blackcurrant, ... Learn MoreMitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2018$24.99 Per item -
The one-hat Terrace Restaurant makes this a must-stop for any visitor to North East Victoria, as does the National Trust-listed property with its towering castle centrepiece. All Saints and St Leonards are owned and managed by fourth-generation Brown family members ... Learn MoreAll Saints Ruby Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Release 2011$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
With the 96 point rating by James Halliday, the Pedestal Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 was recognised in the Wine Companion's "Top 100 wines of 2020". Larry Cherubino. Larry Cherubino is no stranger to critical acclaim having been named "Best Value Winery" in Halliday's 2017 Wine Companion, ... Learn MoreOut of stock -
Gold Medal – 2020 Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal – 2019 Australian Small Winemakers Show Gold Medal – 2020 China Wine & Spirits Awards Best Value Gold Medal – 2020 Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards Gold Medal (94 points / 5 stars) – Wine Showcase Gold Medal – 2019 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge ... Learn MoreSecret Deal Aged Release Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2014$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The Pedestal range of wines are made by one of Australia's most acclaimed winemakers; Larry Cherubino. Showcasing the varietals the Margaret River region does bet, the Pedestal wines consistently deliver high-quality, exceptional value drinking. Larry Cherubino is no stranger to ... Learn MorePedestal Margaret River Cabernet 2019$25.00 Per itemOut of stock -
When Hilde and Ian Duke Ranson sold their clothing manufacturing business in 1998, they were able to fulfil a long-held dream of establishing a vineyard in the Porongurup subregion of Great Southern with the acquisition of a 65ha farm at the ... Learn MoreDuke's Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019$25.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Made by legendary winemaker Dennis Verdecchia, this “Provencal style” rosé has a very pale powder pink color. Fresh and soft aromas of strawberry, watermelon and pink grapefruit accompanied by pleasant floral notes of rose petals and broom. It stands out ... Learn MoreFarnese Calalenta Rose 2020$25.00 Per item -
The parcels of wine in the The Maitre D’ come from the McLaren Vale grapes grown on the ancient red soils of Coppermine Road block and the deep dark soils of our Long Gully Road block. This bright and lively ... Learn MoreMollydooker Maitre D'Cabernet 2019$26.99 Per item -
Intense varietal nose in the bounds of youthful exuberance. Shows signature blackcurrant and sarsaparilla notes well supported by integrated leafy characters, synonymous with the variety. A medium-bodied “classic” claret style featuring a succulent, bright fruit layered palate integrated with earthy ... Learn MoreWarramate Cabernet 2017$27.49 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 2018$28.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Amherst distinguishes its exceptional vintages, naming them after regional folklore, such as the ancient Chinese market gardens, which dispensed fresh produce to the gold fields of yesteryear. Hand-picked fruit, wild yeast fermented, basket pressed, 25% new French oak. This is classic ... Learn MoreAmherst Chinese Gardens Cabernet 2017$28.00 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 2017$28.00 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 itemOut of stock -
This youthful wine is great a expression of the variety in Great Western. It is possible to enjoy this wine now with food, but it will soften and gain complexity over the next 5-20 years. ... Learn MoreBest's Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon 2019$28.00 Per itemOut of stock
-
Aromas of blackberries and dark soy, oak is lurking though quiet. Black olives and leathery notes lead the palate. Blackberries, again, hit the middle palate with energy. - Nick Butler The Barossa is famous for its viticulture, history and winemaking ... Learn MoreLangmeil Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon 2019$28.50 Per item -
Aromas of blackberries and dark soy, oak is lurking though quiet. Black olives and leathery notes lead the palate. Blackberries, again, hit the middle palate with energy. - Nick Butler The Barossa is famous for its viticulture, history and winemaking ... Learn MoreLangmeil Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon 2018$28.50 Per itemOut of stock -
Sexy Beast, a succulent and luscious McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon “I was always taught that Cabernet Sauvignon was a classical, structured and well mannered wine, but in our wonderful McLaren Vale Mediterranean climate we make it rich, brooding and powerful, ... Learn MoreTwo Hands Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon 2019$28.99 Per item -
Established in 1997, this winery is the ultimate expression of the Clare Valley terroir. A symphony of diverse and unique microclimates masterfully composed, to deliver impeccable quality and style for each wine in their range. Meticulous site selection and diverse terroir ... Learn MoreSecret Deal Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020$29.99 Per item -
Clare Valley's Koerner Wine scored the top gong in the national wine competition. Winemaking brothers Damon and Jono Koerner, from Koerner Wine in the Clare Valley, have been crowned the 2019 Young Gun of Wine (YGOW). "Brothers Koerner showcases our two ... Learn MoreKoerner Brothers Adelaide Hills Rose 2019$29.99 Per item
2 Customer Reviews
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed aliqua. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla ... Read More
Award View all
My Wish List
Last Added Items
You have no items in your wish list.