Anthony's Hill Merlot (1.5L, 13.5%)

A fruit-forward California Merlot from Fetzer Vineyards, bottled in a 1.5-litre format at 13.5% ABV. It is built around soft tannins and ripe stone-fruit character. The wine is made to spotlight Merlot's naturally fruit-forward personality while keeping the structure balanced and the tannins gentle. Fetzer Vineyards was founded in 1968 in Mendocino County and is known for sustainable winemaking practices. Warm cherry leads the nose, followed by ripe plum and accents of mocha and red licorice. The palate is soft and fruit-driven, with ripe plum, blackberry, cherry, gentle spice and caramel sweetness from light oak contact, and the finish trails off with lingering cherry and a faint mocha undertone.