Archive: Australia: Merlot
Barwang 1997 Merlot Coonawarra Regional Selection ($14). Soft berry and floral aromas follow through on the palate of this enjoyable, pleasant wine. Surprisingly long, smooth finish. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 01/01)
Black Swan 2002 Merlot South Eastern Australia ($8). Fruity, very subtle hints of herbal and spice notes, light to medium bodied, minimal pesky tannins to slow you down. Tasted remarkably similar to the Cabernet and the Shiraz. We’re fairly sure that at some point during the evening, it all became more of a Black Swan Red Cuvee — with Shiraz splashed into a Merlot glass here, and a “which one of these was mine?” there. One way or another, they were all polished off with the greatest of ease. Any, all, or a combination of them would make a great red wine choice for a big crowd! (Weekend Wine, 08/03)
Brookland Valley 2000 Cabernet Merlot Margaret River Verse 1 ($18). Ripe black cherry fruit is accented with vanilla oak, earth, black licorice, and black pepper notes. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 06/03)
Brown Brothers
2000 Merlot Victoria Patricia Reserve ($30). Good concentration, with a velvety smooth mouthfeel. Features dark cherry fruit laced with creamy vanilla and light spices; fine tannins. Appealing mushroom/truffle note on bouquet. Easy to enjoy. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 04/04)
2001 Merlot Victoria ($13). Smooth plum and sweet cherry fruit, with licorice and spice notes. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 10/03)
Climbing 2004 Merlot Orange ($17). Rich berry and deep chocolate aromas and flavors are smooth and plush through the bright finish. A nice wine, with admirable structure at this price. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/06)
Deakin Estate 2002 Merlot Victoria ($9). Dried red cherry flavors and aromas are on the tart side, but still appealing. With dashes of spice and toasty vanilla on the short to moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/07)
Giant Steps 2003 Merlot Yarra Valley ($30). Bright and juicy cherry and plum fruit are subtly accented with touches of mushroom and wet earth, finishing with sweet oak. Tasty and easy to like, though on the expensive side. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (World Wide Wine 01/05)
Jacob’s Creek 2001 Merlot South Eastern Australia ($10). Sweet red fruit and a light spiciness on the bouquet, with medium-bodied red plum and blackberry flavors and light spice, herbal, and vanilla oak notes. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 04/03)
Kirralaa 2001 Merlot Coonawarra Clare Valley ($15). Sweet, jammy, almost candied red fruit seemed overripe and overshadowed anything else going on in the wine. Least favorite of the bunch. (Robyn’s Picks, 04/03)
Lindemans Bin 40 Merlot 1996 ($6.99). Generally speaking, I’m not much of a Merlot kinda girl. I like a red wine that smacks me around a bit like a spicy Zinfandel, but I liked this one. It has a bit of spice and berry character with a nice finish. (ETFOFW, 12/99)
McWilliam’s
2006 Merlot South Eastern Australia ($12). Fruity and smooth, with ripe black plum fruit and generous baking spices, vanilla and toast accents that linger on the bright finish. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2003 Merlot South Eastern Australia Hanwood Estate ($11). Milk chocolate and red berry and plum aromas and flavors pick up toasty oak, vanilla and a touch of herbs on the finish. Offers a freshness that is appealing. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 01/05)
2002 Merlot South Eastern Australia Hanwood Estate ($12). Smooth and ripe, with plenty of red cherry fruit and sweet vanilla oak. 10% Cabernet Sauvignon adds body and structure to this fun, food-friendly wine. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 08/03)
Rosemount Estate 2000 Merlot Estate Bottled South Eastern Australia ($11). Tasty and easy to drink; nothing overly complicated here. Juicy berry and plum fruit, with touches of herb and smoke. Finishes smooth. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 08/02)
Rothbury Estate 2001 Merlot South Eastern Australia ($7). Light- to medium-bodied, with soft red cherry and plum fruit laced with sweet smoke and light herbal notes. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 12/03)
Wyndham Estate 2003 Merlot Bin 999 South Eastern Australia ($10). Chocolate covered cherry aromas introduce jammy ripe cherry and vanilla flavors. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 07/04)
Xanadu 2002 Merlot Margaret River ($10). Slightly simple and thin, but with red berry fruit and herbal notes. Finishes a little dry. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 01/04)