Southbrook Triomphe Merlot 2013

This merlot (which contains 13% cabernet sauvignon) is sourced from vines certified organic and biodynamic. The flavours are bright and vibrant, well focused and defined, and show good complexity. The acidity is well calibrated and comes through as a fresh and clean support for the fruit, and the tannins are supple and manageable. It's a very well-made cool climate merlot, in a style I very much appreciate - much more so, at the table, than the blowsier, fruit-forward style that often comes from warmer growing conditions. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, winealign.com, Nov. 13, 2014)