“I am sure there is genius here and that in 20 or 30 years' time we'll all be drinking this and saying how profound it is. For now, it's complex, off-piste and distinctive.” - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate

In his poem, ‘Parfum Exotique’, Baudelaire describes “the scent of green tamarinds on an autumn breeze” and I’ve always thought it sounded wonderfully exotic and hoped that I would one day know it for myself. I haven’t yet, but when I first inhaled the aroma on this extraordinarily aromatic Merlot, I imagined it might be something similar. It’s utterly beguiling, unlike any Merlot I have ever known, given extra aromatic lift by the use of whole bunch fermentation, and is billowing with hibiscus, dried cherries, fraises des bois and green tamarind (maybe). The palate is sensational too with both treble and bass and layers of plummy fruit infused with sweet spices from the souk. One of the world’s great expressions of Merlot. An Australian Petrus. 13% alc. Drink now-2050.

Organically farmed

Press review:

The Wine Advocate: “Use of 100% whole bunch is the way of Mayer, and it lends structure, spice and some interesting characters to this 2021 Merlot. This is full of blood plum, blackberries, raspberry leaf tea, chewing tobacco, orange zest and cinnamon sticks—I could go on. It is extremely aromatic and not at all expected. In the mouth, the fun continues with rhubarb, warm tomato sauce, graphite and blood. I am sure there is genius here and that in 20 or 30 years' time we'll all be drinking this and saying how profound it is. For now, it's complex, off-piste and distinctive. And it will age. Drink now-2037.” 91 points (huh?)

The Australian Wine Companion: “From a north-facing slope on the Orth vineyard in St Huberts Road, Coldstream, 100% whole bunches, no new oak. A deep, bright, ruby red. Black cherry and plum skins together with some lifted, rosemary stem and dried lavender from the whole bunches. Textured, rich, silky and balanced, this will provide plenty of enjoyment over the next 4–6 years. (huh?).” 91 points (huh?)