Deep, bright red-purple colour with aromas of crushed leaves, humus, dried herbs and stalks, some nutmeg/spice as well and hints of tobacco and cedar into the bargain, the palate full-ish and rounded, with supple, smooth tannins that fit the flavour and shape of the wine neatly. There are blueberry and cassis notes deep in the palate, and the aftertaste is persistent and full at the finish. A pretty stylish merlot. Points: 94/100
This is a weighty merlot. It’s also a firmly structured one. Mulberry, redcurrant, coffee beans and saltbush notes merge into dark chocolate and earth. There will be no complaints of this wine’s depth, or spread, or tannic framework, though it may (or may not) lack some x-factor. This latter comment is of course in the context that x-factor is a near impossible demand to make of a wine; given that it’s impossible to define, and that you only know it when you see it. In any case there’s ample weight on this wine’s bones, and it’s all delivered in svelte form. Points: 93/100
Wild fermented with 16 days on skins; 15 months in French barriques (60% new) before a couple of months in old foudre, post blending. Aromas of mocha, coffee beans, damson plums and a slither of herb-crusted tannins are beautifully managed. A full-weighted wine, with a lilt of herbal freshness. As good as merlot gets on these shores. Drink or hold. Screw cap. Points: 92/100
Wild fermented with 16 days on skins; 15 months in French barriques (60% new) before a couple of months in old foudre, post blending. Mocha, coffee bean, damson plum and a slither of herb-crusted tannins, beautifully managed. A full-weighted wine, with a lilt of herbal freshness. As good as merlot gets on these shores. Points: 92/100
