Cathcart Ridge Estate 2000

The merlot is somewhat of a flag bearer for the winery and this 6 year old example should keep a good reputation intact. Colour is about bang-on for the variety – medium blood red – but the nose points to the age. Balanced plummy / leafy notes on the nose are very settled and mature. Some herbal secondary notes push through. Palate is also showing some mature character – more herbal plum – but the primary fruit is settling and fading. Structually appears sound and plenty of acid zing keeps the mouthfeel fresh. Not a show stopper given the subdued fruits but a good example of how Oz merlot looks at 6 years. Drink over 2006 and early 2007.