If you had to pick the red grape variety of the moment, then surely it would be Merlot. Hugely popular, and deservedly so, it can be soft and supple, with wonderfully rich, silky plum and cherry fruit, all beautifully rounded by variations of oak, spice, tobacco and herbs. Perfect wines for winter.

3 bottles each of the following:

Zilzie Selection 23 Merlot Victoria 2007 (Oz)
The Forbes family has been at Zilzie since 1911 and continues its huge investment in Mildura. Showing striking aromas of plums and cherries mirrored by fruit on the palate, this is a squeaky clean, soft and juicy red.

Rattlesnake Canyon Merlot, California 2006
A classic Merlot - full of plum jam fruit with succulence and a hint of spice. This red is ripe and robust, full in the mouth with charming, easy drinking fruit.

Ladera Verde Merlot Central Valley 2008 (Chile)
Lovely plummy Merlot fruit with a ripeness that is so typical of Chile. Easy and very drinkable, this is a pleasing wine for current drinking.

Bogle Vineyards Merlot Clarksburg, California 2006
An elegant, soft and silky Merlot with aromas of ripe cherries and spice. The palate is full of fresh red fruit with hints of herbs and the finish faintly spicy with tobacco notes from its 12 months ageing in American oak barrels.