This classy wine features flavors of lemon verbena, lemon barley water, ginger powder, lime zest, crunchy pears, and quince. Its refreshing lemon sorbet-like acidity is complemented by a nutty, creamy lees texture and a distinct wet stone note. Tight, refined, and dry—simply delightful.

Wines of Merritt is the project of Nick and Sarah James-Martin. Nick, who grew up in the Riverland and worked in top Adelaide restaurants, helped establish his family's vineyard in McLaren Vale. After two years with WINE Magazine in London, traveling through major wine regions, he studied wine marketing and oenology at the University of Adelaide. He gained experience at Rosemount, Vasse Felix, and Stella Bella, as well as in Hawke’s Bay, NZ, and Languedoc, France. Sarah, a hospitality professional, previously ran the acclaimed Salopian Inn in McLaren Vale and worked at various wineries. Merritt is Nick’s great-grandparents' family name.

Halliday Rating: 95 points