Merlot comes first in the name for a reason—over half the grapes used were merlot, giving a more fruit-forward vintage driven by dark berries, capsicum and light spice, backed up by some earthier, meatier notes from the cabernet sauvignon (black pepper, leather). Some floral influence from cabernet franc rounds things out. Tannins are smooth and fine-grained, providing a lusciously long and balanced finish.