The 2018 Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot offers aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum and cherry, distinctly aromatics of the Merlot variety. Underneath lie earthy complexity of tarry notes, plus toasty oak and leather. Dark fruit follows through the palate, filled with blackcurrant, mulberry and liquorice on the front and middle. A full bodied wine with firm Merlot tannin structure but the combination is supple and well balanced. The finish has some toasty oak evident and shows some tarriness.