Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot Margaret River, West Australia – 2017

I have been following the progress of this single varietal Merlot each year for the past 5 or 6, but this is the first vintage I have tasted which really inspired me. This is a world class Merlot which compares very well with top examples from Ticino, Italy and Bordeaux.

The nose opens with a lifted display of dark fruits, especially blackberries and blueberries.  There is also a floral note, reminiscent of roses.  Behind this lies Merlot’s complex notes, typically found in all its best wines – tar, leather, pencil shavings, combined with some light charry oak and earthy notes.

On the palate, the initial impact is of generous blue and back fruits, filling the front and mid-palate.  It is full bodied and has a supple feel, with the tannins in good balance.  The finish is a classic combination of Merlot’s firm, drying tannin, sitting beautifully with the tarry and earthy notes and the background of soft oak.

2017 is a very good vintage, and this wine has the fruit depth and balance to make it very easy to drink in its youth.  But don’t be deceived.  It has the structure to last for decades and those who prefer some age on their wines won’t be disappointed.  Recommended cellaring time of 5 to 10 years, by which time the wine will have begun to soften just a little.  Full maturity will be reached after 20 years of age.