2008 Merlot, Gherardi

This is mature Margaret River Merlot from a quietly fascinating name, now showing the softened, savoury charm that comes with time in the bottle. Expect plum, black cherry, dried redcurrant, cedar, tobacco, bay leaf and a little earthy spice, with the fruit now mellowed into something autumnal and polished rather than plush and primary.

On the palate, it should be supple and rounded, with Merlot’s natural softness framed by gentle tannins and a savoury, cedary finish. There is still plenty of comfort here, but the pleasure is now in the bottle-aged detail: dried fruit, spice, soft leather and a cool Margaret River freshness beneath the richness. Drink now, ideally with a careful decant for sediment.

For when
A quiet dinner needs a mature bottle with character rather than noise.

Pairs with
Roast lamb, veal chop, beef short rib, mushroom pie, duck breast, lentils with herbs, aged cheddar or Comté.

Gherardi is one of Margaret River’s more discreet stories, tied to Peter Gherardi, a highly experienced Western Australian viticulturist with deep roots in the region. He established Freycinet Estate in 1979, later sold to Michael Wright and expanded into what became Voyager Estate, before consulting, working vintages in Europe and returning with his own small-label Merlot and Viognier project. The ladybirds on the Gherardi label point to a near chemical-free vineyard environment, giving this mature bottle a lovely sense of place, patience and scarcity.