Merlot

Earthy & Rustic

The construction of Château Plaisance dates back to the 1780s, however its vineyards are much older. Bordering the Margaux appellation, Château Plaisance's vineyards overlooks the Garonne River and counts with ten hectares. 

The soils name 'palues' are mostly composed of clay, with a small percentage of sand. Its particularity is that is is located only a few meters away from the Garonne River. The 'palues' were gained on the river thanks to a draining technique implemented in Bordeaux by the Dutch. The 'palues' contain a large amount of sediments that were before underwater, making it a rich and fertile soil. In the past, wines produced on 'palues' were considered the best of their appellation.

An elegantly matured Bordeaux Superieur with surprising persistence. Named after the limestone soils ('palues') of the vineyards, this blend of 70% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot is showing lovely earthy, leather and licorice notes along with cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant.

 A stunning value.

Pair with rack of lamb and braised fennel.

Rich & Bold

Finca Aylés is located in the northeast of Spain, near the city of Zaragoza, halfway between Madrid and Barcelona.  The wine project of the Ramón Reula family began its journey in the 1980s and ended with the reunification of various properties that had belonged to the Finca Aylés since the Middle Ages. Today, Aylés is one of the largest private historical farms in Aragón.  

Attractive deep cherry red in colour. The wine displays a pronounced intensity on the nose, well defined, with an extraordinarily complex and wide range of aromas; think dark red fruits, ink, and spices.  On the palate the wine is clearly defined by its elegance and ripe fruit intensity. It's harmonious and well balanced leading to a rich finish. 

It's the perfect wine to pair with rich meats and anything on the BBQ.

Classy & Complex

Château Les Paruades is located in Macau en Médoc, on the foothills of the Margaux appellation and on the edge of the Gironde. The estate covers an area of 3.5 hectares with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc planted on clayey palus soil.  The vinification process follows the traditional methods of the Médoc, with total destemming and fermentation in stainless steel and concrete vats.

A blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc in Pomerol mimic, attractive and edgy when it wants or needs to be. Right Bank stylistic in any case, herbals and amaro welling through with liqueur consistency and fashion. Quite chic and notably concentrated, really credible, with brisk acidity and plenty of toughness keeping the wine safe, elongated and with portents of further potential. Quite a steal actually.

Rich & Elegant

Located along the edge of the Haut Medoc and at the very beginning of the Margaux appellation, Château Laronde-Desormes shows exceptional character beyond its simple “Bordeaux Supérieur” appellation. Harvested at extremely low yields, the resulting wine is full of finesse and elegance, with well-balanced bright fruit and a long, satisfying finish.  A concentrated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, it tastes more like one of its more costly Margaux neighbors than a humble Bordeaux rouge.

The wood-aged wine's fruit is developing along with ripe tannins. It has a touch of spice and black-currant flavors. It is an attractive wine, ready from 2025.
The Laronde Desormes is especially deep in color, hauntingly aromatic, and packed with blackberry and cassis fruit as well as plenty of ample ripe tannins.

Fine red Bordeaux like the Château Laronde Desormes is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with poultry, red meats, rich sauces, and game—think duck, pheasant, quail—or dishes like Sautéed Veal Medallions, Filet Mignon with shiitake mushrooms, or Chicken Fricassee. It also complements soft cow’s-milk cheeses (Gouda, Morbier, Muenster, Port Salut) and shines when served alongside simple, fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Fresh & Juicy

Fabio Motta, originally from Lombardia, began his adventure as a winemaker in Bolgheri in 2010 when he was thirty years old. However, he first came to the area 10 years earlier when he ventured into the vineyards to take part in the grape harvest as a student of agronomy.
It was love at first sight in more ways than one; he fell in love with the territory and met his future wife, Benedetta Satta, daughter of Michele Satta, a vintner who has been part of Bolgheri’s history and progress over the years.

This Bolgheri blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Sangiovese, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 12 months in cement. Fabio Motta describes it as the wine that launched his winemaking journey, expressing everything he loves about Bolgheri: clear, juicy fruit, harmony, and effortless drinkability. Merlot brings softness and volume, Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure, while the Sangiovese contributes freshness and complexity. Lighter and fresher than expected for the region, it shows silky tannins and aromas of cooked cherry, blackberry jam, mint, and rosemary.

Pair with typical Italian fare - Le Pievi shines next to pizza, light meats and pasta. 

Bold & Juicy

Sourced from the estate’s 16-hectare vineyard, the Closerie Saint Roc is a blend composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Crafted according to a holistic, ecosystem-based philosophy incorporating agrobiology, biodynamics (Ecocert and Demeter certified), agroforestry, and permaculture principles, the grapes are hand-harvested and fermented by infusion with indigenous yeasts, without synthetic products. The wine is aged for 24 months in mature oak casks and bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving its purity and sense of place.

A deep garnet in the glass, the Closerie Saint Roc impresses with notes of dark fruit and a hint of minerality. A modern Bordeaux style that focuses on clear fruit quality.

Pairs perfectly with braised beef cheeks, lamb, or aged Comté or Manchego.

Structured & Refined

This product is offered online and at select LCBO locations for a limited time through Vintages Cellar Collection. For help locating stock, feel free to contact us at info@npwines.com.

Please note: This product requires a minimum lead time of two weeks prior to shipping when fulfilling orders through NPW.

Founded in 1971 by Véronique and Aimé Guibert, Mas de Daumas Gassac carries forward a winemaking legacy that dates back 13 centuries to the monks of Aniane Abbey. Véronique and Aimé established the estate with a deep respect for the terroir. Since Aimé’s passing in 2016, their sons—Samuel, Gaël, Roman, Amélien, and Basile—have taken over its management, each contributing their expertise while upholding the estate’s core philosophy: respect. Guided by this principle, they see themselves not as alchemists but as stewards of the land, dedicated to crafting wines that embody the wild beauty and complexity of the Haute Vallée du Gassac.

Starting with an intense and complex aromatic lift of blackcurrant and black cherry, layered with sweet spices and a subtle hint of garrigue. The palate is ample and finely textured, with silky, beautifully integrated tannins. Precise and fresh with dark fruit and spice notes carrying through to a long, flavourful finish, showcasing remarkable balance and depth. Enjoy this wine young (within 7 years) to appreciate its vibrant fruit aromas. For a more developed expression cellar for 15–20 years to experience its full aging potential.

Pairs beautifully with red meats—especially lamb—game, and a variety of cheeses. For an unforgettable experience, decant at least 3–4 hours before serving.