2019 HOOSEGG (Philip Shaw) Mountain Dragon Merlot, Orange, NSW

Deep bright red-purple with excellent depth of colour. Intense varietal aromas of damson plum, fresh prune and blackberry leaf, threaded with juniper, allspice and black peppercorn.  On the palate the wine is rich and fleshy with a powerful berry coulis and ripe plum fruit that maintains brightness and lift. Considerable tannin but very soft in texture, supported by integrated oak and natural acidity that carries flavours of granite, turned earth and vanilla bean through to a long, satisfying finish. The small inclusions of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz frame the plummy core like a gilded picture, adding structural precision without distracting from the merlot character. A wine of great length that is still very youthful — built to age gracefully and glacially over many years. 96 points — Huon Hooke. 95 points — Shanteh Wale, Halliday Wine Companion.