Merite Merlot (2015)

The nose on this 2015 Single Vineyard Wrattonbully Merlot is resplendent with red berries, pan-fried spices and a confluence of saltbush, bay leaf and a hint of sage—it’s wonderfully aromatic and the highlight of the wine. In the mouth, the fruit undulates across fresh and supple on the front palate (with briney acidity coursing throughout) through to ripe and chalky on the finish. The tannins are powder-fine and grippy, which is a good thing for the fruit. The only quibble I have is some obvious oak through the finish that has not yet been soaked by the fruit, however this is a minor point, and I believe it will all coalesce in time. At seven years old today and still very fresh, this has a ways to go yet.