1999 Temple Bruer Reserve Merlot

An excellent wine, but not quite the powerhouse of the 1998. Very deep crimson colour, with deep crimson hue. Aroma of spice, cedar and mulberry, with a hint of stewed fruit. It is surprising that this wine at 13.6% alc/vol has an obviously leaner palate weight than the great 1998 wine which is at 14.0%. One could hardly credit the difference that 0.4% alcohol makes. On the palate, the mulberry and stewed fruit flavours persist, followed by a hint of truffle. Fine grained tannins, followed by a very long mulberry and stewed fruit aftertaste.
Cellar 3-4 years (2005-2006)
Alc/Vol: 13.6%

RATING: 90/100

VALUE: XXXX/5