Merlot from McLaren Vale has that touch of flavour you get from the western coastal regions of Italy. I refer to the climate comparison and just possibly that velvety, Chianti style, Sangiovese mid palate which is so attractive has passed to Merlot along this part of the coast of the Gulf St Vincent.
I think Merlot needs some warmth as those from cooler regions further south push into that green, herbal Cabernet spectrum that’s makes me edgy.
Australia moved into the 1990s with customers demanding much more variety as at this time plantings of Chardonnay and Cabernet were insufficient and Merlot was not to be seen. Its an excellent variety and this Trennert is our first Merlot from McLaren Vale. There are plantings in the Barossa Valley though a more maritime climate maybe works better for this variety.
Early days so let us see what unfolds and to catch up on this debate try a bottle or two of this Trennert which is a first rate effort.
