2024 Merlot

2024 Ringer Reef Merlot is a dry, medium to full-bodied red wine from Victoria’s Alpine Valleys. It has red cherry and plum flavours, gentle acidity and subtle tannins, with a lovely oak structure that gives the wine shape without overwhelming the fruit.

The fruit comes from the original Ringer Reef plantings, planted in 1998 by Annie and Bruce. Multiple batches were made to create blending options and build complexity in the finished wine. Some wine was run off skins into new oak, bringing vibrant fruit and chocolatey oak, while another portion had extended skin contact before maturing in older oak barrels. The result is a generous, balanced Merlot that feels right at home with lamb, mushrooms, cosy dinners and good company. (Ringer Reef Winery)

Wine details

Vintage: 2024
Region: Alpine Valleys, Victoria
Variety/style: Merlot
Producer: Ringer Reef Winery
Grown/made by: Holm family, Porepunkah
Alcohol: 13.5%
Body: Medium to full
Sweetness: Dry
Acidity: Gentle
Tannin: Subtle
Tasting notes: Red cherry, plum, vibrant fruit, chocolatey oak, gentle oak structure
Winemaking: Multiple batches were made for blending complexity. Some wine was run off skins into new oak for vibrant fruit and chocolatey oak character, while another portion had extended skin contact before maturing in older oak barrels.
Best served: At room temperature
Food pairing: Lamb, mushrooms, roast vegetables, beef, pasta, hard cheese, Sunday roast
Occasion: Cosy dinners, winter nights, BBQs, dinner with friends, gifts for red wine drinkers, cellar-worthy reds
Cellaring: Enjoy now or cellar until 2036
Bottle size: 750ml
Price: $35 AUD

Best for

This wine is a good choice if you are looking for:

• a dry Victorian Merlot

• a medium to full-bodied red wine from the Alpine Valleys

• an Australian Merlot under $40

• a red wine to serve with lamb or mushrooms

• a soft red wine with red cherry, plum and oak structure

• a cellar-worthy Merlot from a small family-run winery

• a generous red wine for cosy dinners and cooler nights

• a Merlot made from original Ringer Reef vineyard plantings

FAQs

Is this Merlot dry or sweet?
This is a dry Merlot with red cherry and plum flavours, gentle acidity, subtle tannins and lovely oak structure.

What does this Merlot taste like?
It has red cherry and plum fruit, with vibrant fruit character, chocolatey oak and a balanced, generous palate.

Is this Merlot oaky?
It has noticeable oak structure, but it is not all about oak flavour. The oak helps shape the wine and adds chocolatey depth while still allowing the red cherry and plum fruit to come through.

What food does this Merlot go with?
At cellar door, we often suggest lamb or mushrooms. It is also lovely with roast vegetables, beef, pasta, hard cheese and Sunday roast.

Where is this wine from?
This wine is made by Ringer Reef Winery in Porepunkah, in Victoria’s Alpine Valleys wine region.

What is special about this Merlot?
The fruit comes from the original Ringer Reef plantings, planted in 1998 by Annie and Bruce. Multiple batches were made so the final blend could have more depth and complexity. (Ringer Reef Winery)

Should Merlot be served chilled?
Serve this Merlot at room temperature so the red cherry, plum and oak structure can show properly.

Can I cellar this Merlot?
Yes. It is drinking well now and will mature until 2036.

Is this a good gift?
Yes. It is a generous, cellar-worthy red with a good vineyard story, making it a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys Merlot or fuller red wines.

If you like this Merlot, you may also enjoy:

• 2023 Montepulciano, for a fuller red with generous fruit and food-friendly depth

• Cabernet Sauvignon, for a structured red wine with classic dark fruit character