2015 Gioiello Estate Old House Merlot

Matured in French oak barriques for 18 months. Totally opaque midnight black core with a deep dark red hue. Elevated aromatics of blackcurrant tied to black olive, vanillin cedar, earthy tobacco and spice notes drift from the glass. Medium to full bodied, generous ripe blackcurrant flavours sit atop spicy vanillin cedar, tobacco, black olive, earth and spice elements. Good depth with slightly grainy tannins providing the framework. Dryish finish with a medium to long aftertaste that sees the emergence of some dried herb characters.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.7%

Other Reviews….
Hand-picked from the Old House Block, destemmed and crushed into open fermenters, matured in French oak for 18 months. This is what I term real merlot, thanks to its savoury mix of fruits, black olive and dried herbs. The handling of the oak and tannins was exemplary. Drink by 2030.
94 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion