Night of Merlot with Lianzijia

Newmarket, Auckland
Tasted Saturday, April 8, 2023 by evanqian with 80 views

Introduction

Nikau Point is simple and pure, offers good value.
Robert Mondavi is simple but not pure. it has much sweet creamy flavours, Rum barrels influenced. pleasing but not pure wine taste.
Villa Maria is pure but not simple, it has multiple layers, more complexity.
Cabanne is not pure, not simple. it well combines fruity and savoury sides, complex, well balanced, presenting in an elegant and modest way.

Flight 1 (4 Notes)

  • 2018 Nikau Point Merlot Reserve 87 Points

    New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay

    clear dark ruby, bright. clean palate, fresh dark berries and plum, smooth texture, medium body, solid acidity, supple tannins, well balanced within a medium size structure. round, sweet and weighted core, subtle oak, violet and chocolate notes in finish. a comfortable Merlot, clean and pure, easy drinking, with a little complexity.

    Ap 5/5, Ar 11/15, Palate 16/20, Overall 2+3/10
    Total 87/100

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  • 2019 Robert Mondavi Winery Merlot Private Selection Aged in Rum Barrels 87 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County

    bold, dark fruits, caramel, vanilla, obvious rum hints, sweet alcohol. good on weight and creamy flavours. but lacks acidity, length and layers. easily pleased, easily bored.

    Ap 5/5, Ar 12/15, Palate 15/20, Overall 2+3/10
    Total 87/100

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  • 2019 Villa Maria Merlot Reserve 92 Points

    New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay

    opened and breathed in bottle for half hour. dark plum, dense and pure fruity flavours, with some oak and spices. m++ body, medium grained tannins, smooth texture, sleek style, well polished. long finish with subtle cream and vanilla notes. still young, need time to integrate better.

    Ap 5/5, Ar 13/15, Palate 16/20, Overall 4+4/10
    Total 92+/100

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  • 2019 Château La Cabanne 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    1.5 hours in decanter. modest dark plum and dark berries, mild cedar, exotic spices, m+ body, supple tannins, a little powdery. long and elegant finish with creamy chocolate notes.

    very good on balance, elegance and complexity.

    JS 94, JD 91, WA 90, Decanter 91

    Ap 5/5, Ar 13/15, Palate 18/20, Overall 3+4/10
    Total 93+/100

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