If they could think and have an opinion in the land of the red grape, I wonder if ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ would be a thing. Do you know what I mean? When there is a ‘Noble Variety’ and a ‘most planted in Australia variety’, I sort of wondered where Merlot fits in among these tall poppies. It doesn’t seem to have a tag like other varieties do, does it? It just gets called ‘Merlot’. And you know what, when you see good examples of the variety like this one, it doesn’t need a tag or to be know by anything other than what it proudly is. Merlot.
It’s a lovely bright crimson colour with a slight youthful purple at the rim of the glass. It’s definitely (and proudly) Merlot on the nose with plums, black fruits with just a little sweet fruit aroma coming through. It’s elegantly medium bodied on the palate where it shows its varietal definition. Plums, blackcurrants, some red fruit sort of ‘freshness’ and a hint of spice to top things off. It has a nice, smooth and lingering finish even though the tannins are a tad drying but that’s okay with me. Very much enjoyed it and I wasn’t the only one.
Region: Mudgee, NSW Price: $32 Source: Sample thanks to Huntington Estate
Words from a Wine Glass 