Gioiello Old House Merlot 2020

After destemming this ripe Merlot fruit from the Upper Goulburn region spends a year and a half, or thereabouts, maturing in French barriques. The colour here is a red/garnet, while the nose gives us plums (and a touch of plum pudding), spices and cherries and hints of a rather attractive rustic note – the sort of thing that some love, while others are not quite so fond. If that is your style, this is your wine. An earthy, savoury style with a pleasingly supple texture with gentle cherry notes to the fore on the palate supported by silky tannins on a persistent and well-crafted finish. Will provide pleasure for the next half dozen years, likely longer if you wish. One for Merlot fans.