Angove Merlot 2018

A thirst for innovation and perfection has helped the Angove family cellar gain a coveted 5-Star rating from Australia’s foremost wine critic, James Halliday. This fine, barrel matured red sees them again move into new territory. It’s one of a series of wines showcasing classic grapes from top regions – in this case a silky smooth Merlot from Coonawarra, renowned for its Bordeaux style reds. Coonawarra’s famous red volcanic soils overlay a deep bed of limestone, rather like the best parts of Saint Emilion, where of course Merlot thrives. Vines are forced to penetrate deep into the ground, producing grapes with intensity. Angove’s top vintage 2018 has rich, plummy flavour and a long, vanilla tinged finish. Ideal with slow-cooked lamb shanks.