Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2018

The winery writes "The Reserve Merlot reveals a saturated deep purple colour and perfumed aromatics of red and black plum, fruitcake and floral violet notes, interwoven with roasted coffee bean and complex herb nuances. The palate is concentrated and firmly structured in its youth with fine-grained tannins enhanced by integrated oak. This wine will certainly benefit and gain additional complexity from careful cellaring over the next decade."

Cameron Douglas MS writes "Excellent concentration of colour with dark purple and ruby hues at the core with a pink-ish rim and very bright. Aromas of black cherry and dark plums, clove and vanilla scents of oak, a dry stone mineral layer and moments of cassis and toasty wood. On the palate - a dry wine with a core of dark berry fruit and plum flavours, firm tannins and plenty of acidity - delivering a firm texture and intense mouthfeel. Starting to find its harmonious spot so should be perfect drinking from early to mid 2022 through 2028."

Sam Kim writes "A delectably expressed offering, the wine shows blackcurrant, dark plum, dried herb and spicy oak characters on the nose, leading to a gracefully rich palate that's succulent and fleshy. Wonderfully flavoursome with excellent balance, finishing gorgeously long and velvety."