I’ll be upfront & admit that Merlot has never been a varietal that I’m particularly fond of. However, I recently indulged in a vertical tasting of Merlot from De Trafford Wines to learn more about the varietal from one of the most prominent winemakers in our country - David Trafford.
Interesting choice - the tasting was present from the youngest vintage, through to the oldest. We work our way through 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and finished with the 2001.
It was uncanny; each vintage so unique, yet so familiar. Every flight showed how the develops with age & how at different stages throughout life it too settles down, but still has that something that makes you go back for that 2nd & 3rd sip.
David, a qualified architect, spoke about every vintage & recalls the ups & downs experienced with each. It was incredible to have an intimate sitting with an individual who can speak so passionately about the process & art of making wine.
A good salesman? Yes.
A great winemaker? Hell yes!
One thing that I definitely took from that evening was that one definitely does not have to enjoy a varietal in order to appreciate the wine that comes from it.
My appreciation for a good Merlot has been benchmarked. And I’ll most definitely be exploring more of it, with a completely different mindset.
#WineRoutingWithLloyd
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