Gioiello Estate Merlot 2023

Merlot from the Goulburn Valley region in Victoria, the wine spent eighteen months in French oak barriques for maturation, 20% of which were new. Deep garnet with a pale crimson rim, the nose offers aromas of plums, leather, animal flesh, dried herbs, bay leaves, fruit cake, a touch of chocolate and aniseed. There is a generous and approachable plushness on the palate, with a soft texture through to the velvety tannins. Good balance throughout, this is a delicious and refreshing Merlot which, if well cellared, should provide pleasure for the next decade.