There are 300+ cases of Merus's 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon (the second vintage produced by proprietors Mark Herold and Erika Gottl) which tips the scales with a well-hidden 14.8% alcohol. The saturated blue/purple color is accompanied by aromas of sweet licorice, high quality French oak, and black currant as well as blackberry fruit. The wine is full-bodied and rich, with elegance, sweet tannin, and a textured, impressive mouthfeel, it is one of the top wines of the vintage. This is a full-throttle effort to drink over the next 15-16 years.
(WA 31st Aug 2002)
