Merlot, it can divide tastes. Away from the Right Bank of Bordeaux, it can be awfully mundane, at best playing a bit part role in filling the mid-palate of Cabernet Sauvignon. Single varietal Merlot in Australia has somewhat of a chequered history, often delivering round and supple wines that offer little by way of genuine depth and structure.
Petaluma is one of relatively few quality producers that treats Merlot seriously. The 2001 Petaluma Merlot, is undoubtedly an ambitious example, slick new French oak overlaying intense plum-laden fruit. As yet, it offers relatively little by way of complexity, and only modest interest. At face value, it is a take it or leave it wine. However, a 1996 of the same wine, confirms that there is good reason to ‘keep the faith’. It has taken on secondary evolution and shows depth and complexity rarely seen in Australian Merlot. So, if you’ve got a few bottles of the 2001, just be prepared to leave them for a few more years. On the evidence of the 1996, patience will be rewarded.
2001 MERLOT
Producer: Petaluma
Variety: Merlot
Vintage: 2001
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 18 October 2011
Tasting Note:
Bottled after 18 months in new French oak. Saturated dark plum fruit married with high class charry oak. Full bodied with a smooth, satin-like texture, smoky oak overlaying dark plum and blackberry fruit, touch of liquorice on the finish. While clearly a well made wine, it is a little bit soulless at present, needing further time in bottle to develop complexity.
Score: 16+/20
Petaluma is one of relatively few quality producers that treats Merlot seriously. The 2001 Petaluma Merlot, is undoubtedly an ambitious example, slick new French oak overlaying intense plum-laden fruit. As yet, it offers relatively little by way of complexity, and only modest interest. At face value, it is a take it or leave it wine. However, a 1996 of the same wine, confirms that there is good reason to ‘keep the faith’. It has taken on secondary evolution and shows depth and complexity rarely seen in Australian Merlot. So, if you’ve got a few bottles of the 2001, just be prepared to leave them for a few more years. On the evidence of the 1996, patience will be rewarded.
2001 MERLOT
Producer: Petaluma
Variety: Merlot
Vintage: 2001
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 18 October 2011
Tasting Note:
Bottled after 18 months in new French oak. Saturated dark plum fruit married with high class charry oak. Full bodied with a smooth, satin-like texture, smoky oak overlaying dark plum and blackberry fruit, touch of liquorice on the finish. While clearly a well made wine, it is a little bit soulless at present, needing further time in bottle to develop complexity.
Score: 16+/20
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