The 2020 Ribbon Vale Merlot is concentrated and pert/energetic in the mouth. The fruit leans from black cherry to raspberry to nori and back to black tea, swinging in the palate like a weathervane in the breeze. The length of flavor through the finish is long and lingering, and it speaks of Margaret River so thoroughly in its maritime freshness that it brings a smile to the face. It's a brilliant wine, with excellent concentration, poise and polish.

Matured in only 10% to 12% new oak, the 2019 Ribbon Vale Merlot offers up oodles of crisp, mouthwatering cherry fruit. It's medium-bodied and silky-textured, with a tart finish.

The 2018 Ribbon Vale Merlot is the best-looking sample of this wine I can recall tasting. It's riper and richer than the vintages either side of it, with black cherry fruit, a medium to full-bodied palate and a long, velvety finish.

Bottled in mid-August 2019, the 2017 Ribbon Vale Merlot (they've dropped the word "Vineyard" from the label) is a velvety, medium-bodied wine, with crisp cherry flavors and seductive hints of dark chocolate and mocha. It should drink well for 5-6 years.