Smith & Hooper Cabernet Merlot 2021

A controlled fermentation was followed by 11 months maturation in a mix of French barriques (of which, 9% were new), and older French barriques and hogsheads. From the Wrattonbully region, it is a dark maroon colour with the nose offering dry herbs, plums, spices, truffles, tobacco leaves, blackberries, coffee grinds and chocolate. Finely balanced, it has good intensity throughout and yet retains some elegance with fine, velvety tannins and excellent length. Enjoy over the next eight to twelve years.