2022 Geoff Merrill Saint Nic GSM, McLaren Vale

A McLaren Vale version of this famous blend, the split is 56% Grenache, 28% Shiraz and 16% Mourvèdre. The wine spends a year in older oak puncheons for maturation. From the excellent 2022 vintage, the name is in honour of Geoff’s son, Nic. A garnet red hue, the nose gives us a range of aromas including red cherries, bay leaves, leather, chocolate, black fruits and licorice. There is well integrated oak still evident, with good concentration throughout the wine. Juicy acidity, medium length, fine tannins and a lingering finish, there is lots to like here and this is good buying. Enjoy over the next eight years. Drink to 2033.

92 points Ken Gargett for Wine Pilot, October 2025

Geoff Merrill has been making wine at Mount Hurtle in McLaren Vale since 1985. Scott Heidrich has worked alongside Geoff as senior winemaker since 1993, and the style of this wine has remained consistent across every vintage.

Saint Nic is a South Australian blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre (56/28/16) named after Geoff’s son. Traditional winemaking was rounded off with a 12-month maturation in seasoned American oak puncheons. The 2022 wines from South Australia come from a cool and extended growing season that resulted in balanced and fresh wines with good fruit concentration.

Complex aromas of blackberry, liquorice, chocolate and a touch of dried bay leaves and leather. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rich with generous spicy fruit and fine tannins.

The wine arrives ready to be enjoyed. Good company to a Mediterranean BBQ spread.