2025 Geoff Merrill Charley Rose Dry Rose, McLaren Vale

If there’s a style that Merrill knows a lot about, it’s Rosé. Although actually, he knows a lot about a lot of styles. He was making this stuff way back in the day. Although this is a distinctly different style, being lighter and a more modern expression of the Provence-influenced styles that we’re seeing from Australian winemakers. The Grenache absolutely nails it. It’s crisp, it’s clean, with a raspberry, slightly strawberry note about it and subtle floral notes. This is perfect summer drinking. I love it. Drink 2026 to 2027.

94 points Ray Jordan for Wine Pilot, April 2026

This is Grenache showing off its versatility yet again. Named after Geoff Merrill’s youngest daughter, the team avoided the use of oak throughout its making. The colour is a pale pink/orange. The nose offers aromas of rose petals, strawberries, hints of citrus and spices. This is fresh, very attractive, showing zesty acidity and decent length with a lingering finish. Well balanced, this is a great advertisement for the joy of Grenache. Enjoy it over the next couple of years. Drink 2026 to 2028.

92 points Ken Gargett for Wine Pilot, April 2026

The Charley Rose is named after Geoff Merrill's granddaughter and is made from Grenache, a variety that produces some of Australia's most expressive and perfumed rosé when handled with a light touch and harvested at the right moment. Dry, fresh and fruit-forward, the intention is pure drinking pleasure rather than complexity or structure.

Delicate pale salmon pink, the nose is clean and inviting with aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, red cherry and rose petal with citrus zest and a floral lift. The palate is light and refreshing with juicy red berry fruit, bright acidity and a clean, dry finish.

A cheerful easy drinking wine. Enjoy as an aperitif on a warm afternoon, then continue with some grilled prawns or a simple salad with soft cheese.

Drink now through 2027.