Huntington Estate Special Reserve Merlot 2016
It's always with a fair degree of trepidation that I approach a Merlot sample. Do the viticulturist and winemaker understand understand the nuances of the variety in its chosen region? Or have they produced a generic dry red offering little varietal definition?
Huntington Estate traditionally used its Merlot in 'Bordeaux' blends, first producing it as a varietal in 2006 and opting to release as a 'Special Reserve' in exceptional vintages.
This 2016 release is classic Huntington Estate and typically Mudgee. Add varietal Merlot in the frame and you get mocha oak with a little tobacco thrown in. The tannin profile is exquisitely fine, it's the first thing I noticed as it floods across the palate.
Not without a sense of freshness, backed up with a swathe of black fruit. Concludes with what can only be described as the Mudgee terroir carrying long on the finish. 91
Tasted on: Tuesday 2nd October
Source: Sample
Price: $38
Alcohol: 14.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://huntingtonestate.com.au
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