Merlot is a darkly blue-coloured wine grape, and is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to derive from the Old French word for young blackbird. Merlot-based wines usually have medium body with hints of berry, plum, and currant. Its softness and "fleshiness", combined with its earlier ripening, makes Merlot a popular grape for blending with the robust, later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, which tends to be higher in tannin. Merlot varieties provide a softer, sweeter taste.
Merlot Wines
The 2010 Old Coach Road Merlot is full, supple and very appealing. It has opulent plummy berry fruit notes intertwined with well balanced spicy oak. The palate has concentrated berry fruit weight with lasting flavours and length, punctuated with fine grained tannins.
Merlot Wines
A soft fruity wine with balanced acidity and a distinctive dry finish. This wine is suited for early consumption but would soften with short term cellaring.
Merlot Wines
Bird in Hand Merlot 2007 is a limited release wine aged in a mix of new and old French oak. It is deep in colour and exhibits intense aromas of plum, mulberry, cinnamon and spice. The complex, well structured palate offers silky tannins, succulent fruit and a supple texture. Fleshy plum is most apparent on the palate amongst a complex mix of flavours. The richness and vibrancy of the fruit ensures a long and persistent finish from this balanced and elegant wine. Cellaring will reward.
Merlot Wines
Our Old Coach Road wines were introduced in the early nineties with emphasis on wines for earlier consumption. They represent easy drinking, fruit driven styles.
