Singlefile Estate Merlot 2008 (Denmark, WA)
$22, Screwcap, 13.0%

There is much to be said about this very isolated corner of Australia – not only is it a rather attractive part of the world, but it produces some quite nice wines too.

Mildly herbaceous, in a fresh and lively, varietal Merlot way, this is a gentle red with leafy red fruits, a hint of mulch and an overlay of pencilly oak. The oak is just a tad heavy on the palate, giving in an inch of caramel woodiness that detracts slightly, but this should integrate with some time in bottle.

Otherwise this is a mid weight, dry and savoury red built in a subtle and reasonably refined style. The only challenge I can see is the only medium bodied, moderate style sits quite a way apart from many of its peers, which might prove to be challenging for people to really fall in love with it.

Drinkable wine regardless. 16