Merlot, Spring Mountain District 2019

The 2019 Spring Mountain Merlot is much darker than previous years. The nose is very complex, with loads of black plum and cinnamon spice. There is also aromatics of caramel, gravel and menthol that surround all the intense dark fruit. As always with this wine, the mouth is full and rich, with a very pretty silkiness this year. The tannins are present, slightly chalky but soft with a good level of acidity to balance them. There is a good level of cedar and plum to the long finish. This intensely concentrated Merlot will reward those who cellar it over the next 9-10 years (2030-2031).