OJBs Web Site: New Zealand Wine Styles

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Rippon Merlot - Shiraz 1999

Tasted:	14 Nov 2002 (age 3 years)
Name:	Rippon Merlot-Syrah (175)
Variety:	Merlot - Shiraz
Year:	1999
Producer:	Rippon
Region:	Central Otago
Rating:	good
Web Site:	http://www.rippon.co.nz

The colour was quite deep medium ruby red. There was a dry smooth cherry fruit bouquet. There was a smooth dry start, cherry fruit and earthy leather flavours, and a peppery finish with firm tannins. This was quite a complex style with nicely balanced wood, fruit and earthy flavours. (Note, I classified this as merlot-shiraz, but it was labelled merlot-syrah - same thing)

Note 1 I am not really a wine expert (just an enthusiastic amateur), so please don't take my recommendations as anything more than a rough guide to these wines. I can take no responsibility if you buy a lot, on my recommendation, and then regret it!

Note 2 You may not agree with my evaluation of these wines as a lot of this is quite subjective. I tend to put a lot of emphasis on complexity and intense characteristic flavours and bouquet, so if you disagree you might just have different priorities.