Finally another good sparkling red: Zema Estate Sparkling Merlot 2018

March 22, 2021

Finally another good sparkling red: Zema Estate Sparkling Merlot 2018

Longtime readers will know that I have a soft spot for sparkling red. Especially grand old Seppelt Great Western, or any disgorgement of Primo Joseph. Great sparkling red I’d happily spend my own wine writer dollars on.

So when I popped the cork on this Zema Estate Sparkling Merlot 2018 and it wasn’t shit, it was a mini triumph. Finally, another choice! It’s a real surprise packet too. A rather chunky and sweet-edged fizz with choc mint richness and a rather voluptuous profile. It’s a bit simple (especially compared to the next-level complexity of typical Joseph disgorgements), but that generosity of flavour is so likeable and the dosage is just right.

Christmas ham is calling.

Best drinking: 24th-26th December this year. Though any day will work over the next few years. 17.7/20, 92/100. 14%, $34.99. Zema Estate website. Would I buy it? Yes.

2018, Coonawarra, Merlot, Sparkling Red

Andrew Graham was once voted the 23rd most trusted wine critic on the planet. A WCA Journalism Young Gun now old hack with 25yrs as a buyer, judge, journalist, marketer and too much more.

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3 responses to “Finally another good sparkling red: Zema Estate Sparkling Merlot 2018”

Doug Norman

March 23, 2021 at 11:20 am

The Seppelt has been the go-to Christmas drop for a few years but given a couple of bottles of Majella 2018 Sparkling Shiraz this past Christmas will certainly be revisited…

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Rossco

March 24, 2021 at 8:11 am

Coates make a good one too for the $. Ashton Hills is in my top 3 (with Joseph and seppelt show reserve). Recently discovered Craglee made a sparkling red and it’s a cracker!

Had a 94 Leasingham last year and it was
nearly wine of the year (definitely sparkling red of the year, yes even beat my Xmas Joseph).

Love the drinking window of this review. Perfect and will hunt this down.

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Andrew Graham

March 24, 2021 at 10:13 am

I love that Ashton Hills. Almost forgot about the Leasingham glory. Can be amazing, but very big and rich.

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