Hartz Barn 2004 Mail Box Merlot April 07

Tasting Note

Sydney Time

Hartz Barn 2004 Mail Box Merlot April 07

The Mailbox Merlot has been a huge success story for Hartz Barn. The bouquet shows a good contrast between sweet fruit and spicy oak notes; with plum, sawdust, freshly cut grass (very surprising in a red wine), and milk coffee/chocolate. In many ways, the palate follows the bouquet with a sweet attack leading to a spicy mid palate, but there is a touch of green character too; plum, dark coffee, and blackberry completes the profile. Ample-weight with a supple consistency, solid structure is being constructed with some class as the tannins are unobtrusive but fine and the deep fruit which is perfectly balanced, has a good kick for its weight. It's a good crowd-please but more serious than most and will probably be better with a couple of years in the bottle; if you don't analyse it you will find it most enjoyable. My rating of Recommended with *** for value is probably a little harsh as it has been marked down for the hint of unripe green character on the palate. Sealed with a screwcap.