The gorgeous Kikyogahara merlot range by the Chateau Mercian winery has been awarded at international wine competitions for years. The 2012 vintage won a Bronze Medal at the International Wine Challenge, while the 2011 vintage took home the gold at the Vino Ljubljana competition. Notes by winemaker, Hideki Takasa: The deep amber colour brings forth rich, sweet notes of dark berries and cassis. Leather and oak are also evident as the wine opens up as the solid tannins come forth. Further aging will further mellow out the tannins.