Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2011 Merlot gives a good nose full of red currant, black plum and pencil lead scents with touches of Mediterranean herbs and spice box. Medium-bodied with decent concentration of black fruit flavors plus a pleasantly minty lift, it has approachable rounded tannins and a medium to long finish. Drink it now to 2016. Imported by Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

The 2005 Merlot comes from a vineyard planted on its own roots and cropped to two tons per acre. The wine was aged for 8 months in American oak. Dark ruby-colored, it offers spice box, cinnamon, and red currant aromatics. Supple and forward in the mouth, the tannins are soft and the flavors pleasant and easy-going. Drink this elegant Merlot over the next 4-6 years. Importer: Ken Onish and John Gorman, Southern Starz; www.margan.com.au