Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 2010 (Margaret River, WA)
13.5%, Screwcap, $40.50
Source: Sample
www.mosswood.com.au

The fruit for this Ribbon Vale vineyard Merlot was picked at just 12.7 baume, although it tastes riper than that, the warmth of the vintage giving this some dried fruit characters.

Open, plush, mint chocolate nose, supported by oak flattery. Warm, slightly hollow and alcoholic palate more about oak and sweetness than real fruit. Comes up short ultimately and developing fast, the caramel edge and drying tannins very much a warm vintage character.

Drink: 2013-2018
Score: 16.5/20
Would I buy it? No.