Little Giant Adelaide Hills Merlot 2022

Merlot, we are told, is enjoying something of a moment. It’s good to see. It’s also about time, to be truthful. It’s been a plaything, an add-on for Cabernet, for too long in Australia. Little Giant brings the joy to the grape, celebrating its fragrant aromatics and plush red fruits. An easy-going, well-priced young red itching to go in spiced cherry scents, black fruits, a touch of rhubarb, redcurrant, leafiness and rose. Overall structure is relatively firm, tannins are chewy, and the palate has hints of the savoury. There’s a fair bit happening here, which makes it a good all-rounder kind of Merlot. The wombat hero of the Little Giant label would approve.