2018 Star Lane Merlot

A deep red in the glass, this is one serious merlot with a nose that has concentration of dark cherry and plum with cocoa and background spice. The palate is medium to full bodied with chewy tannins that have an unsweetened liquorice edge and meld with drying black fruits. There is riper, but concentrated fruit on the mid palate that has more generosity before the finish gives more structure and savoury edges with kirsch met with dark chocolate, olive and earth before being lifted by subtle sweetness from oak. Impressive length and will live for decades.