Balnaves ‘The Blend’ 2016 (Coonawarra)

Balnaves ‘The Blend’ 2016 – Coonawarra, Australia

James Halliday: 95 pts
Sustainable, Vegan
Merlot (60%), Cab Sauv (34%), Cab Franc (5%), Petit Verdot (1%)

Australia’s blood red ‘Terra Rossa’ terroir takes on Bordeaux. And it gets…weird. An intense nose of berry, smoke, and coffee. Bay leaf on the palate, black current, then Australia’s tell-tale eucalyptus (eucalyptus often grows near the vineyards). Merlot’s contribution here is especially strong (2016 was a great year). The Blend’s sister wine, The Tally, is among Australia’s most collectible. Will The Blend follow suit? Cellar a few bottles and find out.