2021 Achaval-Ferrer Merlot, Mendoza

Tasting note

A plummy, fresh and spicy Merlot that is deep purple in the glass, with lifted aromas of tomato leaf. Silky and rounded on the palate, its elegant tannins immediately invite another sip.

Our thoughts

There’s no doubt that the image of Merlot has taken a battering in recent years. And certainly there are cheap and not so cheerful examples at both ends of the spectrum that veer too far towards either the overt jamminess or green herbaceous characters that do it no favours. But when done well – be it on Bordeaux’s Right Bank or as here in Mendoza – it can deliver elegance, freshness and a certain velvety texture that is testament to the sustainably managed vineyards in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo that deliver this fine rendering.