Scarpantoni Merlot 2014

No guesses for which country founder Domenico Scarpantoni originated from – Italy, the Abruzzi to be exact. He emigrated in 1952 and by 1958 he’d managed to buy his first vineyard, and by 1970 he’d built it up to about 40 hectares. Sons Michael and Filippo set up the winery in 1979 and in 2007 they won the most prized Trophy of them all – the Jimmy Watson. They are very much a family concern, from vines to packaging, with plots in seven locations within McLaren Vale. With over 500 medals to their name, Scarpantoni are a much loved winery and every year produce a showcase of wines. At 14.5% their Merlot is no shy flower, but bold with dense, spicy damson fruit and terrific length. Roast lamb turned on the barbie would be the real deal.