Garling Stradivari Merlot (75cl, 12%)

An off-dry red wine from Moldova, bottled in a violin-shaped bottle that references Moldova's ties to stringed-instrument making. Garling is a Moldovan producer in one of Eastern Europe's oldest winemaking regions. Some market listings identify this as pure Merlot, while others indicate a 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon blend. The nose leads with ripe dark fruit and subtle earthy undertones. The palate opens with smooth, fruit-forward flavors, moderate mid-palate weight, soft tannins and a round, fruity core. The finish is medium in length with lingering fruit and a gentle, easy fade.