Merlot is a funny one in Australia. If you taste a right bank Bordeaux from St Emilion, it’s hard to draw to many instant comparisons to Australian Merlot or dominant blend. But forget the whole Sideways schtick, good Merlot made or blended well can be delicious.  This is one of the better value examples.

Taylors Estate Merlot, Clare Valley, 2014

French and American oak. Sweet mocha, coffee beans, brown cinnamon spices and dusty mulberry. On the palate, darker fruits of sour cherry and tart not quite ripe mulberry play against ashen, dusty grippy tannins, resulting in a lot of tongue clacking and teeth staining. So lay it down for a top value cellaring purchase, will easily see 10 years.

RRP: $19

Alc: 14%

Wine sample courtesy of Taylor’s Wines and Liquid Ideas