2012 Bonking Frog Reserve Paterson Merlot

A label that i have never heard of but certainly got my attention; Bonking Frog.

This is their reserve release of Merlot and has benefitted from a number of years in bottle and is another endorsement of how the Merlot grape has found a good home in Western Australia.

A nose that gives blackcurrant and mulberry with cigar box spice, the wine has real presence and is a complete expression of a grape variety that can sometimes miss the mark in terms of both complexity and concentration.

The palate is laden with mulberry and blackcurrant fruit that has taken on some secondary leather notes with tannins fine but firm and adding a graphite like contrast on the mid to back palate. Oak gives a richness and spice note that threads it’s way through to the finish.