The 2021 Cabernet Merlot is aromatically reticent upon opening, and even after a bit of attention in the glass, it still does not yield. In the mouth, the wine is firm and short. All things are in place, flavor-wise, but it sails by in the blink of an eye. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the medium garnet-purple colored 2013 Cabernet Merlot gives notes of black berries, black cherries and redcurrants with suggestions of dried herbs and tree bark. Medium-bodied, it fills the mouth with herb-laced black fruit and chewy tannins before it finishes with good persistence. Drink it now to 2018. No known USA importer.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2012 Cabernet Merlot presents a spicy nose of cinnamon toast, cloves and pepper over a core of blackberries and blueberries plus a whiff of cedar. Medium to full-bodied with a good concentration of black fruit and spice box flavors, it offers crisp acid, a medium to firm level of grainy tannins and a long finish. Approachable now, it should drink best 2014 to 2018+. No known USA importer.

Consisting of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2009 Cabernet Merlot gives a deep garnet-purple color and aromas of ripe plums, crushed blackberries, cloves, cinnamon stick and tree bark plus a touch of graphite. With medium-high acid, medium-firm fine textured tannins and good concentration packed into a modest medium bodied style, it finishes long and spicy. Approachable now, it should soften and develop over the next 12-18 months and drink to 2015+. Lenton Brae produces a distinctively elegant style of wines that possess very good concentration and persistence with moderate alcohols. No known USA importer.