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Dutschke 80 Block St Jakobi Vineyard Merlot

Ken Semmler planted merlot in his St Jakobi vineyard in 1980, and this release is one of the best Australian merlots I’ve tasted in a long while. It’s a bargain, too. Distinctly merlot and classically Barossa, this is bright, crunchy and engaging style that confidently confirms Wayne and Brenda Dutschke’s decision to make merlot a regular in Dutschke’s exciting portfolio. Crunchy blackcurrant and blackberry fruit lingers with impressive persistence, energised by vibrant acidity and well poised, finely structured tannins that carry considerable promise. It belies its 14.8% alcohol level. $20 at Cellar Link.