93
points
Geoff Merrill 1996 Henley Shiraz (Australia)
-
$100
Merrill’s new flagship red enters the top tier of Australian Shiraz, coming on strong with a nose of sweet toasty oak, a hint of cumin and peppery notes. The palate offers lots of dark, briary fruit, chocolate hints and the fine balance characteristic of all his best wines. Finishing long, this forward and delicious wine is already drinkable. It should last a…
— W.E.
(2/1/2002)
91
points
Geoff Merrill 1995 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (South Australia)
-
$35
Layered, lovely and admired by all, including Geoff, for its big, open bouquet of black and red berries, chocolate and a cool menthol-eucalyptus note. Lovely tart-sweet fruit shows on the palate, offset by mineral notes and tangy oak. Again, a fine sense of balance shows, and the wine closes long with crisp acidity and full tannins, promising plenty of life. Drinks…
— W.E.
(2/1/2002)
90
points
Geoff Merrill 1996 Reserve Chardonnay (South Eastern Australia)
-
$25
Fruit, acid and oak are handsomely balanced in this elegant wine. The toasty, almost matchstick, nose opens to a dry apple and lemon-fruited palate, but a dry, nutty rather than an opulently fruited quality prevails. Finishes long and reserved, drink now through 2006. Editors’ Choice.
— W.E.
(2/1/2002)
90
points
Geoff Merrill 1994 Reserve Shiraz (South Eastern Australia)
-
$40
Big, solid and substantial, with lots of dark berry fruit bearing meat, earth, and mineral accents. Well-structured, it still needs a little more time to come together completely. Even tannins, tangy fruit and oak play out on the smoky, long, dry finish. Drink now to 2008+. Editors’ Choice.
— W.E.
(2/1/2002)