Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2009 Cabernet Merlot reveals notes of cassis, black plums and pencil shavings over a gentle undercurrent of cinnamon stick and mocha. The medium to full-bodied palate is nicely balanced with a good amount of blackberry flesh supported by a medium level of grainy tannins and refreshing acidity, finishing long. Drink it now to 2015+. Based to the north-east of Australia’s capital city of Canberra, the Lerida Estate vineyard was first planted in 1997 on the lower slopes of the Lake George Range with emphasis on Pinot Noir.Importers: Vignobles LVDH USA; tel. (410) 521 3726; (MD, DC, VA, NC). Dunn Beverages, MI, www.dunnbeverageinternational.com; (MI, FL).