The vineyard's planting of five merlot clones (including 8R and Q45) is capable of producing very high quality wine. If you want to go nitpicking, the French oak (40% new) is a touch too obvious, but it will almost certainly diminish with age, It raises the question whether 30% new oak might have done an even better job. That said, the '14 had 50%. The mouthfeel, weight and flavours of cassis, plum and herb have a base of exquisite tannins.

96 points

James Halliday