2013 Vergelegen Merlot Reserve

The 2013 Reserve Merlot, which spent 16 months in oak (40% new), has a slightly monochromatic nose compared to the superior Shiraz and Cabernets from Vergelegen. It feels rich, offering notes of dark chocolate and espresso, but lacks the detail and freshness of its siblings. The palate is grippy on the entry with quite a lot of wood tannin, and the espresso note lends this Merlot a lactic personality. I certainly have a preference for other recent red releases from the estate, compared to this.