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Few blends strike the balance of structure and softness quite like Cabernet Merlot. This time-honoured combination marries the depth and tannic framework of Cabernet Sauvignon with the plush, rounded character of Merlot. Loved for its approachability and cellar potential alike, cabernet merlot continues to win favour with collectors, dinner hosts and everyday wine lovers. At Cloudwine, our carefully curated collection includes standout examples from Margaret River, Coonawarra, and Hawke’s Bay, available to purchase online with fast, secure delivery.
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The appeal of Cabernet Merlot lies in its harmony. Cabernet brings structure, blackcurrant, and savoury grip, while Merlot contributes soft plum, spice, and mid-palate generosity. Together, they produce a complete and satisfying wine style. From the gravelly soils of Margaret River to the famed terra rossa of Coonawarra and the volcanic slopes of New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, top producers are crafting wines of substance, balance and expression, many of which cellar gracefully for years.
Each bottling in our Cabernet Merlot collection offers something unique—be it fruit profile, texture, or age potential.
From a benchmark estate in Margaret River, the Fraser Gallop Cabernet Merlot 2023 is fresh and vibrant, with redcurrant, cassis and graphite overtones. Fine tannins and subtle oak provide backbone without overshadowing the fruit. James Halliday awards it 94 points; it is a modern Margaret River blend that’s equally suited to near-term drinking or mid-term cellaring.
Coonawarra pedigree is on full display here. With 92 points from Wine Companion, the Balnaves ‘The Blend’ Cabernet Merlot 2018 vintage offers deep black fruit, mocha and tobacco leaf, wrapped in firm yet polished tannins. A generous red that rewards decanting and makes an excellent match for grilled meats or slow-cooked lamb.
From New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, the Te Mata Awatea Cabernet Merlot 2022 shows finesse and aromatic clarity. Wild herbs, red cherry and plum drive the nose, with fine oak and structure bringing restraint. This is a true Bordeaux-style blend, with age-worthiness and clarity, making it one of New Zealand’s most respected Cabernet Merlot releases. It gained 95 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
If you prefer reds with immediate drinkability and bright fruit, Fraser Gallop 2021 offers clarity and charm. For those seeking structure and complexity, Balnaves 2018 delivers richness and regional depth. Te Mata’s Awatea provides lift, elegance and ageing potential in a more aromatic frame. Each wine pairs beautifully with red meats, grilled mushrooms, hard cheeses, or hearty vegetable dishes. Whether you’re gifting, entertaining, or simply enjoying a glass with dinner, Cabernet Merlot remains one of the most reliable and rewarding styles.
At Cloudwine, we specialise in showcasing boutique and premium Australian and New Zealand reds, including a focused selection of Cabernet Merlot. Our direct relationships with wineries allow us to offer rare vintages and cult favourites under optimal storage and delivery conditions. Whether you’re topping up the cellar or selecting a special bottle, you’ll find tailored advice and trusted service. While you browse, you might also explore our curated range of red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, rose wine, pinot noir, shiraz wine, and chardonnay wine, each selected for individuality and quality.
Cabernet merlot is a red wine blend combining Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It unites Cabernet’s firm structure and blackcurrant notes with Merlot’s plush fruit and soft texture, creating a balanced, medium- to full-bodied wine.
Expect flavours of black cherry, plum, bay leaf, cedar and sometimes chocolate or spice. The wine is typically smooth and rounded, with supple tannins and good length.
Yes. Many Cabernet Merlot wines, especially those with higher Cabernet content and quality oak treatment, develop beautifully over 5 to 15 years, gaining earthy complexity and secondary characters.
This blend pairs well with grilled meats, roast lamb, braised dishes, mushroom-based meals and firm cheeses like cheddar or aged gouda. Its structure makes it versatile at the table.
Cabernet Merlot blends are typically more structured, savoury and fine-boned, while Shiraz blends are often fruitier, spicier and broader. Cabernet blends favour herbs, graphite and tannin; Shiraz blends lean into plum, pepper and generosity.
