A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. 18 Months French oak maturation. Put together by Gwyn Olsen, chief winemaker at Briar Ridge and Pepper Tree (Hunter Valley based) from fruit off Briar Ridge’s Coonawarra vineyard. Can be purchased from Cellarmasters.

Briar Ridge, Limestone Coast Collection, Cabernet Merlot, Coonawarra, 2015

Medium deep garnet colour with just bricking red rim. Blackberry and meaty leather lift with hints of black olive, some regional/varietal leafy notes, cola syrup and dampened campfire ash. Thin and somewhat weedy dark fruit profile with secondary meaty notes already appearing. Citrus acidity trying to give lift but appear sour and finish metallic. Oak gives a small sweet reprise and tannins (what are left) seem awkward.

RRP: $16.99
Alc: 13.8%
Rating: 15/20

Wine sample courtesy of Cellarmasters