Bec Hardy Pertaringa Stage Left Merlot 2024

The name for this appealing Merlot has nothing to do with Shakespeare and being pursued by a bear, but rather another fictional character, Snagglepuss (okay, technically, ‘exit, stage left’ was his signature line, but surely that is enough?) Won’t that have younger wine lovers shaking their heads in bewilderment. To be accurate, the team actually adopted the name because they are aware that this particular variety never gets to take centre stage, at least in McLaren Vale (and very few other places). That doesn’t mean it can’t offer some lovely wines. This is one of them. The wine enjoyed ten months maturation in older French oak. Purple/maroon in colour, the nose exhibits notes of coffee grinds, cherries, spices, fruitcake, leather, plums, earth and black fruits. There is very good length here, through to fine, firm tannins and the wine is well balanced throughout. No reason this won’t provide pleasure over the next six to eight years. Personally, I’d have gone with Snagglepuss at the very least, if not the bear.