Posted: April 5, 2017
Deeply coloured, firm, youthful red, with strong, ripe plum/spice flavours. Rich, with a subtle oak influence and soft tannins. Bargain-priced. $16 (UK)
Comments Off on Villa Maria Private Bin Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Floral, deeply coloured, single-vineyard Gimblett Gravels red, American oak-matured. Mouthfilling, with ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, showing some savoury complexity, and soft tannins. Praised by one judge as “moreish”. $25
Comments Off on Saint Clair Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Generous red from the Gimblett Gravels, with plum, spice and nutty oak flavours, showing good complexity and harmony. Weighty, ripe and rich. $25 (A, UK)
Comments Off on Mission Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Weighty, generous red, estate-grown in the Esk Valley and French oak-matured. Savoury, with ripe plum/spice flavours, hints of licorice and tar, and good complexity and concentration. $48 (A)
Comments Off on Linden Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Elegant, medium-bodied style with plenty of fresh, ripe berry, plum, spice and nut flavour, supple tannins, and a finely balanced, lingering finish. Good value. $20
Comments Off on Coopers Creek Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Finely textured, ageworthy, merlot-based red, with 10% malbec. Weighty, with strong, ripe plum and spice flavours, a hint of fruit cake, cedary oak in evidence, and good richness and roundness. $19
Comments Off on Clearview Cape Kidnappers Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Powerful, fragrant, youthful red, estate-grown and matured in American oak (43% new). Deeply coloured, with red berry, plum, spice, licorice and nut flavours, gentle tannins, and excellent weight, ripeness and richness. “Lots to like”, enthused one judge. $38
Comments Off on Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Finely poised, savoury red, grown in the Gimblett Gravels. Deep ruby, with concentrated, ripe flavours, showing very good complexity, and the structure to age well. (One judge scored it five stars). $30
Comments Off on Babich Winemakers Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Maturing very gracefully and still youthful, this densely coloured red has concentrated, ripe, slightly nutty and leathery flavours, showing impressive complexity, and very fine-grained tannins. Weighty, rich and long, it should be long-lived. $60
Comments Off on Villa Maria Single Vineyard Braided Gravels Gimblett Gravels Organic Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Built for cellaring, this classy, dark, very youthful red is concentrated and firmly structured, with rich, beautifully ripe red and black berry fruit flavours, seasoned with spicy oak. Weighty, dense and complex, with obvious potential. $50 (UK)
Comments Off on Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
This sturdy red was matured over a year in French oak barrels. Full-coloured, it has strong, ripe, plummy, slightly spicy and nutty flavours, and a firm backbone of tannin. $40
Comments Off on Peacock Sky Pure Waiheke Island Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Delicious young, this estate-grown red was matured for a year in seasoned French oak casks. Fragrant and full-coloured, it is mouthfilling, with fine-grained tannins and a strong surge of fresh plum/blackcurrant flavours. Best drinking mid-2017+. $30
Comments Off on Ataahua Waipara Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
A dark dense and very concentrated wine. Huge porty/plum jam nose and good length of firm fruit/oak flavours. 5+
Comments Off on Ralph Fowler Mount Benson Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Fabulous super sweet jammy fruit nose. Lovely fleshy palate, soft and rounded in the mouth with excellent fresh youthful blueberry overtones to the lovely flavours.
Comments Off on Lou Miranda Estate Famiglia Miranda South Australia Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
An austere style with a firm acid spine, beautiful oak and subtle berry fruit. Needs cellaring. 5+
Comments Off on MyattsField Vineyard Perth Hills Manjimup Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Smells of coffee beans and chocolate with lovely layers of flavour and nicely integrated tannins.
Comments Off on Ernest Hill Rodney Hunter Valley Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
A lifted dusty nose and a soft, plush, red fruit palate with loads of tannins.
Comments Off on Leconfield Coonawarra Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Nose and palate show a suggestion of rhubarb and summer berries with supporting oak.
Comments Off on Norfolk Rise Vineyard Mt Benson Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Divided opinions here, but the majority enjoyed the slightly aged/developed characteristics. A soft, easy, gentle wine with “luscious” varietal fruit enhanced by well integrated tannin and oak treatment.
Comments Off on Jeanneret Hummer Clare Valley Merlot 2012 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 5, 2017
Aromas and flavours of ripe plums with a touch of vanillin oak. A soft and easy style with “velvet” like fruits – a good quaffer.
Comments Off on Claire Creek SEA Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 5, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Tea leaf and cigar box nose with signs of red fruit characters. Good palate weight and integration with sweet fruit flavours. 5+
Comments Off on Yarravale Reserve Yarra Valley Merlot 2010 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Smooth and flavoursome. Nice black fruit lift and a well structured, nicely textured, palate.
Comments Off on Seville Hill Yarra Valley Merlot 2012 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Soft commercial style. Perfumed cedary nose and nice cherry/berry fruit flavours. Good oak support and nice level of tannins.
Comments Off on Zilzie Estate Karadoc Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
A well made wine with lifted dark fruit, good oak and generous silky tannins.
Comments Off on Indigo Beechworth Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Pleasant, elegant fruit driven style with generous vibrant and refreshing flavours supported by silky tannins. A keeper. 5+
Comments Off on Ironwood Estate Wines Great Southern Porongurup Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Closed nose; hints of spicy berries. Generous rich berry fruit palate; good acid and firm tannins.
Comments Off on Richard Hamilton Lot 148 McLaren Vale Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Powerful oak influence here with plum-like fruit and chalky tannins. Palate has a drying finish.
Comments Off on Leconfield Coonawarra Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Powerful dense oak nose; minty overtones. Firm, austere and tannic palate with dark fruit length.
Comments Off on Brygon Reserve Wines Lions Lair Western Australia Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
A nose of cassis and capsicum; some green olive notes. Great palate structure with bright fruit flavours and juicy but firm tannins.
Comments Off on Josef Chromy Tasmania Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Still very youthful, this full-coloured red is fresh and vibrantly fruity, with strong, plummy flavours, showing some savoury complexity, and a distinctly spicy finish. Best drinking mid-2017+. $18
Comments Off on Villa Maria Cellar Selection Organic Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Already drinking well, this is a Gimblett Gravels blend of merlot (85%), cabernet sauvignon (10%) and cabernet franc (5%), matured for a year in French oak barrels. Full and bright in colour, it is fragrant and fleshy, with rich plum/spice…
Comments Off on Left Field Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
A big interesting full flavoured merlot with licorice-like characters to the nose and Christmas cake flavours. In great condition!
Comments Off on Tenafeate Creek One Tree Hill Merlot 2012 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Interesting savory style. Earth and spice on the nose. Good variety flavour persistence.
Comments Off on The Piste Wines Bowhouse Vineyard Adelaide Hills Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Earthy savory aromas and rich palate with warm lingering chocolaty flavours. “Yum!”
Comments Off on Bird in Hand Nest Egg Adelaide Hills Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Ageing savory earthy wine. Cough syrup like aromas and persistent varietal flavours.
Comments Off on Bird in Hand Nest Egg Adelaide Hills Merlot 2012 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
A good drink with good balance of spicy earthy blackberry fruit, chocolaty oak and a hint of tar.
Comments Off on Claire Creek Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Soft full bodied style with subtle plum nose and a dash of pepper and sweet red fruit flavours.
Comments Off on Qiwila Chile Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Earthy beetroot/cherry aromas and full flavoured palate, rich and powerful and well balanced with warming alcohol.
Comments Off on Peccavi 181 (1.5L Magnum) Margaret River Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Jubey red fruit aromas with a herbal lift and fresh raspberry flavours on the soft simple palate.
Comments Off on Jacob’s Creek Classic South Eastern Australia Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
A lean, lighter, savory style of merlot showing a good integration of spicy oak, dark berry fruit and chalky tannins.
Comments Off on Concha Y Toro Casillero del Diablo Chile Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Earthy spicy nose with hints of olives, Leafy blackberry cool climate palate with interesting herbal lift and tightly wound tannins. 5+
Comments Off on The Collective Wine Company It’s Pronounced Mudgee Mudgee Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Big old school style with a jammy nose, thick ripe fruit flavours with good oak back-up. 5+
Comments Off on Yilgarnia Denmark Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Oak driven style with delicate violet and rose petal notes. Savory nose; fruity palate.
Comments Off on Stockman’s Ridge Wines Rider Orange Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
A well thought out wine with spicy earthy aromas, chocolaty plum flavours and dryish tannins. 5+
Comments Off on Richard Hamilton Lot 148 McLaren Vale Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
A big crimson wine with brooding complexity on the nose and great ripe fruit/oak flavour integration with big tannins.
Comments Off on Leconfield Coonawarra Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Dusty earthy berry bouquet and good intensity of cool climate merlot flavours.
Comments Off on Raidis Estate Mama Goat Coonawarra Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
A strawberry coulis of a nose with a rich well balanced palate that’s big but not porty with upfront sweet minty fruit. Very tasty
Comments Off on Taylors Winemakers Project Clare Valley Coonawarra Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
A baby with potential! Slightly earthy blackcurrant nose and sour cherry flavours on a light palate.
Comments Off on Taylors Clare Valley Merlot 2015 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
A big ‘slurpy’ old school style of merlot with interesting spicy oak dominated aromas and soft oaky palate with loads of sweet berry fruit underneath. Time! 5+
Comments Off on Mollydooker The Scooter McLaren Vale Merlot 2014 / 0 View / April 4, 2017
Posted: April 4, 2017
Jammy oaky bouquet and some savory/herbal fruit on the mid palate with good level of tannins.
Comments Off on Fermoy Estate Margaret River Merlot 2013 / 0 View / April 4, 2017