Spellbound Merlot (75cl, 13.5%)

A California Merlot-driven red blend bottled at 13.5% ABV. The blend is 76% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% other proprietary red varieties, sourced from warmer inland regions of California. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel before ageing in French and American oak, with roughly 2% new barrels. The nose opens with ripe mixed berry pie and dark plum, then cocoa, cigar box, worn leather, vanilla and black olive. The palate has blackberry, black cherry and plum, with mocha and vanilla from the oak and enough tannin grip to balance the fruit. The finish is medium in length with cedar, caramel and berry-cobbler warmth.