Category Archives: Merlot et al

2012 Brand’s Laira Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Coonawarra hasn’t been producing a hell of a lot of wines that have done much for me recently. I grew up listening to people talk about the region’s reds possessing finesse and the definitive stamp of the famous terra rossa … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, Coonawarra, Merlot et al | Tagged | Comments Off

2012 Moss Wood Amy’s

Amy’s what you may ask? An assemblage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot from Glenmore Vineyard in the Yallingup area at the northern end of the Margaret River GI. Lots of jubey, jelly like fruit. Xmas cake spice … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, Malbec et al, Margaret River, Merlot et al | Tagged | Comments Off

2010 Oakridge Over the Shoulder Cabernet Merlot

The blend is 52%/48% respectively, all sourced from the Oakridge Vineyard in Coldstream. Fleshier and cuddlier than the Cabernet reviewed below. Very much open for business at the four year mark. Olives, leaf and herbs accompany the dark berried fruit. … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, Merlot et al, Yarra Valley | Tagged | 5 Comments

2011 Madfish Premium Red

A blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 7% Tempranillo, 3% Pinot Noir, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot sourced primarily from the Margaret River and the Great Southern regions And no, I did not successfully pick each of … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, Great Southern, Margaret River, Merlot et al | Tagged | Comments Off

2012 Evans & Tate Metricup Road Cabernet Merlot

Soft, regional Margaret River Cabernet Merlot that you’ll probably be able to track down at a less expensive price than the one listed below. Smells and tastes of roasted capsicum, redcurrants and blackberries with some minty refreshment and olive tapanade … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, Margaret River, Merlot et al | Tagged | Comments Off

2011 Alkoomi Cabernet Merlot

I liked this a touch more than the Shiraz. Minty, vegetal characters on the nose. Blackberry, plums, leaf, cheap cedar oak. Basic grainy tannin for shape. Softly fruited. You could go here. 86 Region: Great Southern Alcohol: 14.0% Closure: Screwcap … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, Great Southern, Merlot et al | Tagged | Comments Off

2013 De Bortoli Sacred Hill Cabernet Merlot

Not my favourite Sacred Hill wine. Distinctly cordial-like. No faults though. Ribena, faux plum juice, grainy tannin without much finesse. Low grade oak input. A hint of leaf. Perfunctory drinking but then again, you’re not paying a lot. 83 Region: … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, Merlot et al, South Eastern Australia | Tagged | Comments Off

2012 Ross Hill Isabella & Jack Cabernet Franc Merlot

A well known wine writer recently stated that the Orange region’s “most successful variety is undoubtedly chardonnay”.  Now I’m all for opinion but this sort of authoritative announcement irks me. It doesn’t recognise the range of contrary opinions out there … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Franc et al, Merlot et al, Orange | Tagged | 5 Comments

2012 Wirra Wirra Church Block

Wirra Wirra’s Church Block has turned forty years old. We’re now the same age. Fitting considering I grew up with the wine – after I was of a legal drinking age of course. 49% Cabernet, 35% Shiraz, 16% Merlot. That’s … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, McLaren Vale, Merlot et al | Tagged | Comments Off

2010 Blue Poles Allouran

Australia’s best Merlot Cabernet Franc blend has never looked better. It’s 70%/30% for those interested in the numbers. If you aren’t already all over this wine then you should be. More elegant and vibrant than previous releases; although it’s never … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Franc et al, Margaret River, Merlot et al | Tagged | 13 Comments