2016 Lou Miranda Estate Leone Merlot

Merlot may not get the best wrap, but it’s in part due to a number of bulk producing ‘wineries’ creating wines of little substance that are based more on chemistry than winemaking. Lou Miranda hasn’t taken this approach and have crafted an admirable rendition of the much maligned variety.

A glossy but deep red in the glass with a juicy, youthful and red fruited nose that bristles with raspberry fruit.

The palate is fruit forward initially with framework of oak derived spice revealing itself amongst a sea plum fruit and touches of blackberry. There is both grape and oak tannin that add textural contrast and some sappy notes to the mid palate before milk chocolate notes join the chorus of dark fruits to finish.