Moss Wood’s Ribbon Vale Merlot is making a name for itself as one of the country’s finest for this varietal in a good season, although the wines are always strongly varietal examples. The 2019 edition is a lightly framed and pretty style of Margaret River Merlot boasting fruit pastille , fruits of the forest and violet aromas with generous but well integrated French oak. Acidity is lively with the mid-weight palate taking on a more leafy personality well supported by dark fruits before an elegant and vibrant finish. It’s an earlier drinking vintage than 2018 yet retains  Moss Wood’s trademark balance and finesse.