2018 Domaine A Merlot, Coal River Valley

A really impressive, classically formed merlot from Domaine A that shows complexity and a real sense of comfort and familiarity, akin to slipping into your favourite armchair. Plum, blackberry and blackcurrant fruits with layers of fine spice, bramble, tobacco, blueberry pie, cedar, purple floral top notes, sarsaparilla and vanilla bean. There is a smooth, velvet-like palate flow with powdery tannins and a long, oak-spiced finish showing great persistence.

93 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Blood-red and bold in the glass, the nose is a riot of baked forest fruits and sweet blueberries swirled through smooth milk chocolate. There’s lovely oak integration, giving lightly-spiced suggestions of nutmeg and leather over rich, sweet liquorice and a delicate Domaine A hint of eucalypt forest. Tannins are smooth, and the structure on the palate is beautifully balanced. A gorgeous, rewarding vintage.