There’s not many straight Merlot bottlings in Australia that get the attention they deserve. TarraWarra’s should be on the list. Grown from vines of clone Q45-14 (an Italian clone also used by Voyager Estate in WA) planted on rootstock in 2006. Fermentation in French oak foudre and matured for 18 months in French oak puncheons and barriques (20% new).
Note, the bottle image shows the 2016, but nought has changed except the vintage year (the 2016 and 2017 are also still available on their website)

TarraWarra Estate, K Block, Merlot, Yarra Valley, 2018

Densely packed full of blackberry, salted chocolate, kitchen herbs, pencil shavings and a little “HP Sauce” suggestion emboldened by spice and oak. Structure, balance and intense focus with a carpet full of earthy, powdery, yet ripe tannin that provides excellent grip. A bitter orange coda invites contemplation. Evident class shining through.

RRP: $40 (expected RRP)
Alc: 14%
Rating: 18.5/20 (94/100)

Wine sample courtesy of TarraWarra Estate