Evans & Tate Merlot 2007 (Margaret River, WA)
Screwcap, $20

This picked up a trophy (Best Merlot) at the 2008 Royal Queensland Wine Show & another at the Perth Wine Show. It’s certainly good to see that Evans & Tate can continue to put out good wines, even through the downfall of the business over the last 2 years.

Mid red in colour with purple edges. The nose is attractive, plush and richly oaked – Its a very youthful nose of plums and sweet & very ripe, fruit cake fruit. Good start. The palate is ripe, slightly strained with a big mouthful of hot ripe fruit, finishing with noticeable alcohol. Plenty of bang for the buck, even some Merlot varietal characters, but don’t come looking for grace and balance.

Good result at the price, if simple and somewhat over-ripe. 16.5