Robert Mondavi Private Selection Rum Barrel Merlot 2018

Rum and merlot may not seem to be an immediate pairing, but the oak here delivers coconut and sweet vanilla notes and the ripeness and softness of the fruit works well with that. Soft red berries here, raspberries, some undergrowth and chocolate. Mocha, plums and plum pudding. This is seamless, soft and generous. There is a nice flick of acidity to the ripe, forward flavours. This is not overly complex but it offers loads of flavour.