Gioiello Merlot 2021

Merlot from the Upper Goulburn, which already has the benefit of time in the cellar before release, the grapes are hand harvested, destemmed and crushed in open-top fermenters. After pressing, the wine spends a year and a half maturing in French oak barriques. The colour here is red/maroon. This version of Merlot is slightly more rustic than some, which always provokes debate and division. Some love the style, others less so, but if you enjoy that touch of rusticity, get on board. There are notes of plum pudding, leather, chocolate, tobacco leaves, animal skins, undergrowth and black fruits. The palate is very sleek, well balanced and with impressive length. A well structured wine with fresh acidity, this is a fine Merlot. Enjoy over the next half dozen years.