Merricks Estate Shiraz

Merricks Estate Shiraz 2017 is a cool-climate Mornington Peninsula Shiraz with a distinctly savoury, peppery edge rather than a big, jammy profile. It’s the kind of Shiraz that leans into spice, minerality and structure.

Halliday’s note describes it as “full of pepper and spice,” with a neat balance of fruit and savouriness, plus a strong iodine and ferrous character, grainy tannins and a persistent finish. Other descriptions point to blackberry, dark cherry, liquorice and smoky or meaty notes, with dark berries, plum, black pepper, violet and subtle oak also appearing in the aromatic profile.

This style suits slow-cooked beef, venison, aged cheddar and other hearty, umami-rich dishes. It was tasted at 13.5% alcohol and sits in a more refined, structured lane than warmer-climate Shiraz, which makes it a good fit for drinkers who prefer spice and savoury complexity over sweetness.