This Merlot walks the tightrope of being light-footed, yet still packs a fruit punch. Lots of ripe, dark berry fruit from top to bottom, the palate is crisp, with refreshing acidity and soft, knitted tannins. Very down-able stuff, the perfect after-work glass of red!

Abbotts & Delaunay is run by Laurent Delaunay who, in 1996 took the reins at Nerida Abbott’s winery in France. Here in France's Languedoc-Roussillon, Laurent and the team work hard to craft excellent single varietal wines at their winery in Marseillette. The winery building itself is old, dating back to the 17th century but has undergone considerable renovation over the years and is now complete with a state of the art lab, tasting room and two cellars. Delaunay is from Burgundy, and as a result, has wine running through his veins - he is a fifth generation vigneron - and graduated with a degree in winemaking (oenology) from a local university within the region. The Languedoc-Roussillon is a treasure trove of micro-climates and terroirs, and as such makes for a winemakers playground. Laurent has made it his personal mission to seek out the best old vine vineyards that he can put his hand to. The team produce three tiers of wine; their 'Fruits et Fleurs Sauvages' range is a fruit driven single grape variety range made under the Pays d'Oc label. The 'A Tire D'Aile' mid-range showcases some of the most exciting sub-regions of the Langudoc, and finally his 'Nudges & Vents' wines are specially selected micro parcels of grapes from old vines with outstanding purity and elegance.