Merlot

**Merlot** is a red grape from Bordeaux, one of the world's most planted varieties, valued for its softness, generosity and its role as a blending partner to Cabernet Sauvignon. **In the glass** — medium to deep ruby, with aromas of plum, black cherry, chocolate and herbs; the palate is plush and round, with softer tannin, medium acidity and a supple, medium to full body. **Where it grows** — it dominates Bordeaux's Right Bank in Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, where it can reach remarkable heights, and is widely grown in California, Italy, Chile and Washington State; cooler sites lean toward structure and savoury notes while warmer ones give riper, fleshier fruit. **At the table** — versatile with roast pork, poultry and mushroom dishes. **Cellaring** — approachable young, yet the finest Right Bank bottlings age beautifully for many years.

Wines

• 1871 — Forgotten Fire Winery
• 5 Finques Reserva — Perelada
• 50&50 — Avignonesi / Capannelle
• 96 Cedars Red — Auclair Winery
• Affresco — Poliziano
• Alchemy — Canobolas-Smith
• Alliance — Visio Vintners
• Allouran — Blue Poles
• Alpha M — Montes
• Alter Ego de Palmer — Château Palmer
• Amelia Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot — Wantirna Estate
• Ameri — Podere San Cristoforo
• Amy's — Moss Wood
• Ancestor Estate Reserve — Halter Ranch
• Antico Feudo Toscana IGT — Barone Ricasoli
• Antoine Merlot — Stéphane Puyol
• Argentiera — Argentiera
• Aria di Caiarossa — Caiarossa
• Ash Tree Estate Merlot - Tempranillo — Freixenet
• Attila — Gere