2022 Pertaringa Stage Left Merlot

Matured in seasoned French oak for 12 months. Deep midnight black core with a dark red hue. Attractive ripe mulberry and red currant aromas meld into tobacco, bay leaf, earth and spicy cedar notes. Mid weighted and refined in its feel, spicy ripe mulberry and red currant fruits carry good flesh over a back drop of dusty cedar, tobacco and bay leaf characters. Well integrated fine grained tannin structure with an elegant red fruited conclusion that’s medium to long.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews….
I loved the 2021 version of this wine, so was keen to see if this latest incarnation could match it. It does that and more. Named ‘Stage Left’, as Merlot is seen as a variety which has never enjoyed centre stage in the region, it always reminds me of the old Shakespearean stage direction. And what this wine teaches us is that Merlot perhaps deserves a bigger role in the region. Vibrant garnet, the aroma weaves through plums, raisin cake, chocolate, mocha and plum pudding. Delicious, a cracking Merlot with soft tannins and lots of them. Really good length here and lots to like. This can be enjoyed over the next six to eight years. Drink 2023-2031.
93 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com