World Wine – One of the best examples of this wine we have shipped. Nothing like the stereotype of Bordeaux, this is fresh, vibrant and medium bodied. Lovely purity, the red cherry, blackberry, iodine and subtle spice aromatics leading to a pretty, juicy and energetic palate with plenty of pulpy fruit and round tannins and a lip-smacking, tangy close. Another bargain.
The Wine Front – GARY WALSH - THE WINE FRONT
This is our regular Provence rosé, and I’d reckon we’ve knocked off (easily) more than 20 bottles since last spring, so I thought I’d better push out a note. Pale. White peach and redcurrant, a bit of tang and ruby red grapefruit, light chalky feel, freshness and vibrancy. Good zesty length. Such a good drink. It keeps you coming back for more…
Wine Enthusiast – Vanilla and toasted coconut open the nose of this wine, before being joined by bright strawberry-cherry and stony underbrush. Strawberries and wild green watermelon notes perk up the palate, with more vanilla and also milk chocolate. Tannins are beginning to uncoil but acid remains present and accounted for.
James Suckling – A super-clean, fruity red with juicy blackcurrant and dark cherry character. Medium-bodied with very fine, fruit-coated tannins and a fresh finish.
World Wine – The wine offers splendid juicy fruit attack on the nose, showing dark plum and raspberry coulis characters with nuances of toasted almond, thyme and mixed spice. The palate is succulent and beautifully rounded, offering lovely flow and supple texture.Wonderfully composed and elegantly expressed with loads of delectable flavours, superbly structured by polished tannins. Delicious already with a potential to evolve gracefully. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot and 5% cabernet franc.
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
James Halliday – Deep colour; a distinguished, full-bodied
Bordeaux blend with blackcurrant, mulberry, black olive, briar and French
oak all in play. Has the length and balance to repay extended cellaring."
Halliday Wine Companion '17
James Halliday – 70% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot, the remainder cabernet franc, petit verdot and malbec, 18
months in French barriques (60% new). Bright, clear colour; a remarkably elegant, juicy red and
black berry fruit-filled wine, neither oak or tannins seeking to interfere with the fruit. One of those
rare wines to be drunk now or in 20+ years. Rating 96”
Halliday Wine Companion 2017
James Suckling – Aromas of chocolate and dark fruit with hints of blackberries, cherries and hazelnuts. Medium body, fine tannins with hints of herbs and dark fruit, and a lovely finish. Sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah.
Wine Enthusiast – The nose on this wine is reserved, delicate and approachable. It opens with a strong presence of eucalyptus and sambuca flower followed by gunpowder, slate, brick and bright cherries. The palate is still very herbaceous, giving way to coffee grinds, chocolate and more cherries. Tannins still feel dense but not impenetrable, and acid lends crunch to the fruit.?
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is an organic blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot. I can't say enough good things about Barbara Widmer and her winemaking efforts in this wild and forested corner of Radda in Chianti. Her wines always express clarity and focus, and this is especially clear in a mid-range product like this. This vintage offers more concentration and darkness for sure, followed by blackberry and wild plum. There is oaky cinnamon and sweet spice at the back.
Merlot, a grape variety that originated from the Bordeaux region of France, has captured the hearts of many with its inherent charm and versatility. The name "Merlot" itself is believed to be a diminutive of "merle," the French word for blackbird, possibly referencing the grape's beautiful deep blue color. Its popularity has led to it being cultivated in various wine-producing regions across the world, each imprinting its unique terroir onto the grape.
This varietal is often characterized by its luscious plum, black cherry, and raspberry flavors, complemented by subtle notes of chocolate, bay leaf, and sometimes, vanilla. The wines produced are often medium to full-bodied with a velvety texture, making it highly approachable for both novices and connoisseurs. The grape's adaptability means it can be crafted into everything from opulent, age-worthy bottles to more youthful and vibrant wines. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to beautifully express both its origin and the winemaker's vision.
Merlot wine is the velvety embodiment of elegance and versatility in the vinous world. Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, Merlot has since traveled across the globe, planting its roots in various terroirs and expressing distinct regional characteristics. Often recognized for its plush texture, approachable tannins, and notes of ripe plum, cherry, and sometimes hints of chocolate, Merlot stands as both a cornerstone in legendary Bordeaux blends and a star in its own right. Its adaptable nature allows it to flourish in various climates, rendering it a favorite among growers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Merlot's popularity spans the globe, from its homeland in Bordeaux, where it often plays a pivotal role in iconic blends, especially those from the Right Bank like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, to regions like California's Napa Valley, where it shines as both a blending component and a varietal wine. Countries like Chile, Australia, and South Africa also produce widely recognized and loved Merlot wines, each showcasing the grape's ability to adapt and express the unique nuances of its terroir.
While Merlot is primarily known as a red grape, its expressions can be quite diverse. Classic red Merlot is plush, medium to full-bodied with notes of dark fruits, herbs, and sometimes vanilla from oak aging. In cooler climates, it might lean towards red fruits and exhibit earthier undertones. There's also White Merlot, a rosé-style wine made from Merlot grapes, which is lighter, fruit-forward, and perfect for sipping on warm days. Finally, in blends, Merlot can vary in proportion, from dominant to minimal, influencing the wine's structure, flavor profile, and aging potential.
Merlot's plushness and fruit-forward nature make it a versatile partner at the dinner table. For classic red Merlots, think roasted meats – lamb, duck, or beef dishes with rich sauces. The wine's inherent fruitiness also complements dishes like pork with plum sauce or even grilled mushrooms. Pasta with tomato-based sauces or meatballs are delightful pairings too. For White Merlot or rosé styles, lighter dishes such as salads, seafood, or even a charcuterie board would be ideal. Whether you're indulging in comfort food or gourmet preparations, Merlot wines have an uncanny ability to elevate the dining experience.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.