Pollard Merlot

On initial Pnp seemed angular, grapey, pruney and acerbic. Decanted 45 minutes which helped alot, Fairly dark, aromas of black cherries mixed with lots of herbs, forest floor and earth. Somewhat savory palate with more dark cherries , some minerality and underbrush. Just didn't seem well integrated. Probably will last a few more years...

I’m hoping this was a bad bottle. Definitely not up to my expectations. Lots of earth and not much elegance.

MNB: Merlot and extras (Home (Noe st)) : (blind) Medium plus ruby to a red rim. Slightly cloudy / dull. Reductive nose - like a bad, stinky reduction. Slightly sweet - slight RS on the palate. 14.5% (actually 14.1%) alcohol. Medium plus acid - sweet. Medium tannins - melted and soft. Feels like it's a new world wine that's reduced and has prominent new oak - 30%? (actually 20%) Syrah-merlot???? Why so reductive. Final call: New world, warm climate, low …

Here I found a remarkably pretty expression of Merlot, showing violet-tinged, ripe blue fruits, sweet herbs and dusty minerals. On the palate, silky textures enveloped the senses, with sweet blueberry and contrasting citrus-laced blackberry, in an expression that was pure elegance. The finish was long, as violet florals resonated, along with ripe blueberry and spice tones. What a pretty wine.