Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2009 Cabernet Merlot reveals notes of cassis, black plums and pencil shavings over a gentle undercurrent of cinnamon stick and mocha. The medium to full-bodied palate is nicely balanced with a good amount of blackberry flesh supported by a medium level of grainy tannins and refreshing acidity, finishing long. Drink it now to 2015+. Based to the north-east of Australia’s capital city of Canberra, the Lerida Estate vineyard was first planted in 1997 on the lower slopes of the Lake George Range with emphasis on Pinot Noir.Importers: Vignobles LVDH USA; tel. (410) 521 3726; (MD, DC, VA, NC). Dunn Beverages, MI, www.dunnbeverageinternational.com; (MI, FL).

A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc and matured for 15 months in French and Hungarian hogshead and puncheon barrels, 45% new, the 2008 Logan Cabernet Merlot presents a medium-deep garnet-purple color and aromas of ripe blackberries and blackcurrants over dried Mediterranean herbs, pencil shavings and grated mace. Very crisp in the medium to full-bodied mouth, it has a good amount of ripe fruit, a medium level of slightly coarse tannins and a long finish. Drink this one now to 2015. Importers: Vignobles LVDH USA; tel. (410) 521 3726; (Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, North Carolina). Dunn Beverages, MI, www.dunnbeverageinternational.com; (Michigan, Florida).

The 2007 Cabernet Merlot is a blend of 47.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47.5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc producing a deep garnet-purple color and fresh blackcurrant, red plums and a touch of capsicum on the nose with some black pepper and underbrush. Medium acidity and a medium level of fine tannins. Medium to long finish. Drink now to 2015. Logan is a family owned winery with vineyards in Orange.Importer: Vignobles LVDH USA; tel. (410) 521-3726.