This is Merlot knocks a powerful punch with juicy fruit and generous, approachable tannin as well as rich dark chocolate notes. Season Challenging seasons do occur in Margaret River, and vintage 2015 was one of them. Yields were low due to various factors, including rain and unsettled weather in spring. Wet and windy conditions continued into early summer then January and February were dry and warm, with few hot spikes. As autumn arrived, so too did Cyclone Olwyn on the far northern coast, bringing rain and some nervousness to southern vineyards. However, the season then settled for the usual extended warm, dry, long ripening period, and the red harvest, though smaller than usual, was of excellent quality. Winemaking The fruit was handpicked and destemmed before fermentation in open fermenters, with a mix of hand plunging and drain-and-return, as required. The wine was matured in a mix of old and new oak barrels from select Bordelais coopers. Tasting Note This wine from Brindle Vineyard in the heart of Margaret River is full of plush red and black fruits with dark chocolate and herbal notes and supple Merlot tannins. Region Brindle Vineyard in the Wilyabrup is just inland from the wild shores of the Indian Ocean, which brings soothing cool breezes in summer. Between the vineyard and the sea is a rocky outcrop that holds a clue to the history of the Earth itself - a granite belt formed in the Precambrian supercontinent, Rodinia, when what is now India was joined to this corner of Western Australia. This ancient geology gives the area its soils of decomposed granite with coffee rock and iron stone. The vines were planted in 1998 and are trained on VSP trellis. A relative newcomer to the international wine scene, Margaret River is one of the most reliable wine growing regions in Australia and quickly established a reputation for distinctive and world-class Merlot, Cabernet and blended wines. Seasons are consistently warm and dry with cooling ocean breezes, providing a long ripening period well-suited to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

A nose of cassis and chocolate with a hint of tobacco. The palate is filled with irresistible mulberry fruit and the tannins are soft and velvety. An impressive effort from a Margaret River icon!

Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon is another match that delivers something greater than the sum of its parts. Blend the rich upfront flavour and a lingering aftertaste of Cabernet, with the silky softness consistency of Shiraz, add a splash of Merlot, and you have a Rouge of super delicious deliciousness. This blend has been simply foot-crushed, hand-plunged during wild ferment and basket pressed to old oak for some sleepy time. The Cabernet, Shiraz & Merlot are all from our Quindalup vineyard.

This stunning blend combines Cabernet with its dark fruits, bright cassis, hints of dried herbs whilst the Merlot subtly brings plush blue fruits and warmth, surrounded by supple tannins and neatly integrated oak.

Aromas of ripe dark berries and spice mingle with subtle notes of herbs and oak. The colour is deep ruby red with crimson hues. On the palate, this medium-bodied blend offers an inviting array of layered flavours including dark cherry and plum with background nuances of oak and spice. The tannins are soft and integrated providing a smooth and satisfying finish.

Redolent of blackcurrant and fresh bay leaves, soft, juicy and finely structured. A great example of this blend so well suited to Margaret River.

Amelia Park, although a recent player in the Margaret River Wine scene, have made an astonishing impact. Jeremy Gordon takes a hands on approach to all things at his winery and the results are for everyone to see. Already a multi award-winner, the Amelia Park Cabernet Merlot is a seamless wine that is wonderfully medium-bodied with a fine acid backbone that simply sings from beginning to end.

From the highly regarded wine making team at Pierro comes this more than worthy second label. Expressive red berry characters on the nose are intermingled with nuances of blood plum, and on the palate these flavours are underpinned by subtle oak.