The 2003 Merlot Brookman Vineyard (which saw about 40% new French oak) is superb. A strong case can be made that there is no better Merlot being made in Australia. It is a dense, thick, juicy effort offering hints of roasted coffee intertwined with berry fruit and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, long, opulent, and silky, it should be enjoyed over the next 10+ years. Importer: Commonwealth Wine & Spirits Inc., Mansfield, MA; tel. (508) 328-6764

Deep red. Aromas of ripe cherry, mocha and roasted coffee. Quite sweet and round in the mouth, showing a sweet, deep cherry flavor complemented by dark chocolate. Here there are none of the green edges found in so much New World merlot. Intense, structured and long, finishing with faintly dusty tannins and a subtle raw meat note coming up with air.