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 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 -
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. ... Learn MoreNorfolk Rise Merlot 2017$12.99 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 -
This varietal Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent example of what complexities famous ‘Terra Rossa’ soils can impart. Aromas of dark berry fruit, cassis, bramble and spices mingle with the approachable body and fine, soft chocolate and vanilla tannins on the ... Learn MoreNorfolk Rise Cabernet Sauvignon 2017$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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 item -
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 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 -
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 -
**96 Points Halliday - Top 100 Wines Halliday wine Companion** At the edge of a national park, right on the ocean, the vines of Pedestal vineyard are twenty years of age and sit at the highest point of the Wilyabrup Valley. Here, ... Learn MorePedestal Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2018$24.99 Per itemOut 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Made by award winning winemaker Neil Doddridge, this powerful, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon shows why Mt Benson's cool, maritime climate is ideally suited to producing premium, long lived wines. ... Learn MoreBlack Wattle Mt Benson Cabernet 2009$29.99 Per item -
Wafts of dark chocolate, cedar and dried Italian mixed herbs are complemented by lifted red currants and mulberry. The palate is opulent yet focused. Ripe fruit abounds, balanced by mouth coating chalky tannin, which gives the wine texture and length. ... Learn MoreFrankland Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
2014 was an elegant year for Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense fruit aged for 22 months in 100% mixed French Oak. Colour – Blackish deep purple. Aroma – Rich and intense blackberry, blackcurrent and cedar nose. Palate – An elegant Cabernet but still full of cassis, blackberry and ... Learn MoreSteve Wiblin’S Erin Eyes ‘Ballycapple’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2014$32.99 Per itemOut of stock
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The 2018 vintage saw moderate yields combined with a mild summer and consequently long, slow ripening season, perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon. This enabled the production of wines with Coonawarra elegance and balance. The softening effect of traditional open top fermentation, and ... Learn MoreDi Giorgio Family Coonawarra Barrel Reserve 2015$34.99 Per itemOut of stock -
ACCOLADES; 96 & Top in Category Winestate Magazine, October 2020 95 & Gold Medal Sam Kim, May 2020 Sourced from one vineyard on the corner of Rifle Range and Hunt Road in the eastern McLaren Vale, on the approach to the Adelaide Hills. The soils are ... Learn More -
Founded in 1570 by the Picoron family, Château Picoron has a long history of wine. Now days, Château Picoron is operated by an Australian family. What we produce is as much a celebration of the history of our winery, ... Learn MoreChateau Petit Picoron Bordeaux 2016$34.99 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 itemOut of stock -
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 -
**98 Points Halliday - Top 100 Wines Halliday wine Companion** Deeply coloured. A superb cabernet that will be calling the shots for decades to come. Its richness is spectacular because it parallels the wine's power. Endless peaks of supple blackcurrant and cassis ... Learn MoreDuke'S Magpie Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018$35.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Notes from winemaker Jo Perry, winner of the 2016 Young Gun Winemaker of the Year; 100% good old Cabernet Sauvignon from our little dry grown organic block in Yallingup. Hand-picked, foot stomped, wild fermented in opens & post maceration for a three months. ... Learn MoreDormilona Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2018$36.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Fabulous expression of the Varietal style of Cabernet produced in the Yarra Valley ... Learn MoreSt Huberts Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1998$39.99 Per item -
The dry nature of this area produces low-yielding vines where the fruit is highly concentrated in flavour, resulting in vibrant and elegant styles of wines. ... Learn MoreParker Estate Terra Rossa Merlot 2010$39.99 Per item -
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 itemOut of stock -
Oh, for the love of stunning Cabernet Sauvignon. Like a well-trained thoroughbred this is both muscular and lithe. Savoury and cocoa aromas lead the way down a bramble, berry-packed path. There’s fennel on the sidelines, a hint of spearmint, ... Learn MoreGreenock Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2018$43.00 Per item
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