Geoff Merrill Wines McLaren Vale Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre 2016

Geoff Merrill customarily builds full ripeness into his fruit and long barrel time into his wines in order to make age-worthy reds. With seven years on its side, this SGM bears that Merrill imprint. Some savoury secondary development is on show in leather and game. A lacquered wood character isn’t shy in coming forward, but then Geoff Merrill wines could never be accused of shyness. Get set from the start for a cascade of licorice, chocolate, mint-choc and pot pourri aromatics mixing with blackberry, black cherry, earth, leather and game aromas. It’s a full on first meeting of nose and scent, chock-full of so much. The pace doesn’t let up on the palate, it’s full steam ahead in textural richness and fruit power enlivened by some Grenache-led confection in musk and licorice strap which bring aromatic lift and interest among the savoury notes. One for that big hearty winter casserole you might be planning. It can take it.