Nannup Ridge Wines Western Australia Epic Merlot 2021

Product Description

Winery Overview

Located on the granite ridges of the Blackwood Valley in Western Australia, Nannup Ridge was established in 1998 on a 16-hectare site with exceptional soils and an elevated aspect. The estate is owned and run by the Fitzgerald brothers, and their winemaking is overseen by award-winning contract winemaker Bruce Dukes. The vineyard produces Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and prides itself on crafting wines that reflect its unique terroir.

Region & Vintage Conditions

The 2021 vintage for this Merlot comes from the Blackwood Valley estate vineyards. The growing season offered favourable conditions including sustained ripening supported by cool nights, allowing the fruit to develop generous flavour while retaining freshness and structure. The granite-loam soils enhance concentration and texture, giving this wine both depth and regional integrity.

Winemaking Techniques

This Merlot is crafted with an emphasis on varietal purity, smooth texture and balanced structure. After harvest, the fruit undergoes careful extraction to retain aromatic lift and velvety mouth-feel. The wine is matured in selected oak to integrate flavour and tannin seamlessly, ensuring the fruit remains at the core of the experience while structure and support are provided by gentle oak and tannin management.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby-garnet with subtle garnet highlights at the rim.

• Aroma: Perfumed aromas of dark plum and black cherry, layered with hints of chocolate and subtle spice. According to expert reviewer Ray Jordan, this Merlot is “deliciously generous… plump through the middle with a sustained and impressive finish”.

• Palate: Medium-bodied to full, featuring ripe dark fruit—blackberry and plum—supported by smooth, plush texture and refined tannins. Balanced acidity adds lift, while spice and subtle oak under-currents enrich the mid-palate.

• Finish: Warm, lingering and fruit-driven, with a soft savoury edge and a polished fade inviting the next sip.
  
  

Key Characteristics

• A richly-fruited, smooth Western Australian Merlot with regional depth.

• Generous and plush in palate style, yet backed by refined tannins and balanced acidity.

• Boutique producer expression offering strong value and drinkability.
  
  

Food Pairing Recommendations

This Merlot pairs beautifully with:

• Roast lamb or lamb shoulder with herb crust

• Braised beef cheeks or slow-cooked beef ragu

• Mature hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or gouda

• A relaxed evening with charcuterie, dark chocolate or simply on its own to savour the texture and plush fruit.

Vintage Note