The 2007 Milton Park Merlot, a part of which was exposed to American oak, dark ruby-colored, it offers up a pleasant perfume of spicy red fruits, especially cassis. Seamless, tasty, and easy to understand, this is a very good value in Merlot.Thorn-Clarke is a fine source for values from Australia. There are three levels of wine, the Milton Park series lined priced at $13, the Terra Barossa series line priced at $15, and the Shotfire series line priced at $24. Typically they can be found discounted at hard to resist prices.Importer: Kysela Pere & Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

Thorn-Clarke has also fashioned a fine Merlot that sells for a song. The 2004 Merlot Milton Park reveals great texture, fat, mocha, black cherry, and coffee notes, a hint of chocolate, and surprising density, richness, and length. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Importer: Fran Kysela, Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228