The Oxford Landing range, part of the Hill-Smith Family Estates have an extensive export program. This includes bottling for specific markets. This review is of the UK bottling, with a reduced ABV (13.5% for the Australian market). Winemaker is Matt Zadow. Vegan friendly. So does the reduced ABV make a difference?

Oxford Landing, Merlot, Riverland, 2023

Medium garnet hue. Varietal nose: forest berries, blood plum, just unwrapped milk chocolate block, warm baked red apple, cedar spice and a touch of green tomato relish. Medium weight. Upfront there’s the plushness you want from a bargain merlot: a little vanilla comfort and jammy ripe berry fruit, supported by soft ripple of tannin. The tell comes in the tail. There’s no expectation of amazing complexity, however there’s a thinness that can’t be escaped due to the reduction in the alcohol. However, match with mid-week pizza or pasta, or with bbq chops on a summer’s arvo and enjoy the fact you’re consuming less alcohol.

RRP: $13 (AUD)
Alc: 10.5%
Rating: 88/100

Wine samples courtesy of Oxford Landing