Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the two main grapes of Bordeaux, France.
In Bordeaux, Cabernet is usually the bigger, darker more structured wine of the two whilist Merlot is softer, fruitier and easier drinking when young. They are often blended to combine the best of both!
 
In the New World, consistently warmer climates and more sunshine results in Cabernets and Merlots that are fruitier and more approachable without any bottle age. They can be blended but are often bottles as single varietals.
 
We have put together a case which shows the variety of styles that these 2 most noble of red grape varieties can produce:
 
Chateau La Garenne, Bordeaux, France (Merlot/Cabernet)
Showdown Estate "Man with the Ax', California (Cabernet)
Silvermyn 'Argentum', Stellenbosch, S Africa (Cabernet)
Domaine Bahourat, Languedoc, France (Merlot)
Sileni Estate 'Triangle', Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (Merlot)
Excelsior, Robertson, S Africa (Merlot)