1999 Shaw & Smith Merlot

This is the first red to be released under the Shaw & Smith label, and has spent 12 months in French Oak. The wine is an interesting release for Shaw & Smith in that it appear to be inspired by Italian and Spanish prototypes, with their distinctive dry palate flavours and aftertaste. Very deep crimson colour, with brick red hue. Aroma of mulberry, spice, confectionary, earth and truffle. The palate is quite dry, with flavours of earth, truffle and liquorice appearing. Fine grained firmish tannins, followed by a long dry, plum and earth aftertaste. Cellar 2 – 3 years. (2003 – 2004)

RATING: 87/100

VALUE: XXX/5