2015 Merite Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Wrattonbully

Cabernet sauvignon from vines grown in the Joanna district, planted '00 on terra rossa soils, crushed and destemmed, fermented in stainless steel with cultured yeast, pressed after 7 days to French and Hungarian oak (50% new), a small amount of Merite Merlot added after blending trials. A powerful, rich and ripe (not too ripe) wine with luscious fruit and oak in an Indian arm wrestle for dominance. Even now they are evenly matched, so with another 5 or so years the fruit will be foremost. Tannins - both fruit and oak-derived - play a significant role, and will continue to do so. A classy wine in every way.

96 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au