|
2005 Church Road Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon. |
|
|
Written by Craig Thomson
|
 2005 Church Road Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is actually a trophy winning red, even so I have never been in a rush to try it. I guess that is nothing but wine snobbery on my part as this is what you call a commercial wine with a very popularist and often brain dead following. It has no glory, no rarity, no seclusion from the masses. On special for under $15, I tried this tonight at Mark’s place and immediately see what the judges saw in this wine. Not a densely coloured wine the nose displays classy cigar box and spicy oak with hints of dark plumy fruit. The palate is supremely elegant, refined and detailed with juicy but controlled dark fruits within finely boned, warm ripe tannins. It is smooth, restrained and classy with a long finish. It hasn’t got oodles of depth but as a short term wine it is difficult to see too many wines as more stylish. It certainly seems to have an “Awatea” feel to it and definitely shouts class way above its price point. A must buy for Friday night drinks pushed up a notch in quality. It really is more classy than a quaffer. Church Road is on the rise and one can only dream how good the 2005 Tom will be. I have heard great things already and the 2005 Church Road Reserve also has impressed us. 95/109
|
