2001 Nicholson River Winery Merlot

Merlot in Australia seems to lack definition, with the only common attribute amongst all the producers being its soft tannin structure, yet in other parts of the world Merlot has a definitive style with Chateau Petrus being the classic example. KEN ECKERSLEY has turned the tables and produced a Merlot with its own quite definitive flavour profile and style.
Deep brick red colour with deep brick red hue, the wine is showing sign of bottle development. The nose displays a touch of 'funk' giving the wine its sense of individuality and expression. Aroma of spice, cedar, violets, leather, truffle and mulberry fill the nose, with a delightful counterpoint between the fruit and truffle/earth. The palate continues the juxtaposition of flavours, adding complexity to the wine. Flavours of spice, mulberry, earth and leather evolve with hints of cedar and truffle. Velvet smooth tannins, with very long aftertaste which continues to express the juxtaposing flavour characteristics of this wine.
Cellar 3-4 years (2008-2009)
Alc/Vol: 13.5%