Tamburlaine No Added Preservative Cabernet Merlot 2025: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Plum, blackcurrant & savoury-smooth

This is the weeknight red you can rely on: plush enough to feel comforting, but still nicely structured and dry. Cabernet brings blackcurrant and a savoury, slightly herbal edge, while Merlot adds plum and that smooth, easy glide through the middle. Expect gentle spice, a tidy finish, and tannins that feel soft and rounded rather than drying. Plus, it’s preservative free—made with no added sulphur dioxide—so it drinks extra clean and bright.

Highlights

• Preservative free (no added sulphur dioxide)
• Certified organic and vegan-suitable
• Blackcurrant and plum with dried herbs and gentle spice
• Medium-bodied, dry and smooth with easy tannins

Taste Profile

Tasting Notes

Blackcurrant and plum lead, with a savoury lift of dried herbs and gentle spice. The palate is medium-bodied and dry with smooth tannins and a clean, tidy finish.

Winemaking

Made without added sulphur dioxide, with careful handling to keep the fruit bright and the palate clean. Cabernet provides structure and savoury detail, while Merlot rounds out the middle for a softer, more approachable finish.

Vineyard & Vintage

From certified organic fruit, crafted for drinkability and balance. The style leans medium-bodied and smooth, making it easy to pair with a wide range of meals.

Why We Love It

Because it’s a “real-life” red: open, pour, and it just works. It has enough structure to feel like proper Cabernet, enough plushness from Merlot to keep it smooth, and a clean finish that makes it very easy to drink.

Food Pairing

Think pasta with ragu, pizza, roast chicken, burgers, and anything with tomato, herbs or a bit of char. It’s also a lovely Cheese Board Match—try it with cheddar, gouda or a nutty hard cheese.

Try matching this wine with →

• Spaghetti bolognese — Find a Recipe
• Beef burgers — Find a Recipe
• Roast chicken — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

When you want a red that feels cosy and familiar—but still dry, savoury and grown-up.

Cellaring

Drink now for bright fruit and easy smoothness, or cellar for 2–4 years for extra savoury complexity.

Producer

Tamburlaine has been making wine since 1966 and began converting vineyards to organic production in 1998. They’re one of Australia’s best-known certified organic producers, and their no added preservative range is crafted for clean, vibrant drinking without added sulphur dioxide.

Related Wines To Try →

More medium-bodied, food-friendly reds (including a great option from another producer):

• Plum, savoury spice and smooth tannins — Tamburlaine Organic Merlot 2023
• Cherry-bright, lighter-bodied red — Tamburlaine No Added Preservative Pinot Noir 2025
• Organic, classic Cab blend with depth — Battle of Bosworth Puritan Shiraz

FAQ

What does Tamburlaine No Added Preservative Cabernet Merlot taste like?

Blackcurrant and plum with dried herbs and gentle spice. It’s medium-bodied, dry and smooth, with easy tannins and a clean finish.

What does “no added preservative” mean in wine?

It means no sulphur dioxide has been added during winemaking. (Wine can still contain naturally occurring sulphites.) The result often tastes extra clean and fruit-forward.

Is this wine preservative free?

Yes—this wine is preservative free, with no added sulphur dioxide.

Is it organic and vegan?

Yes—certified organic and vegan-suitable.

Is this more Cabernet-like or Merlot-like?

It’s a blend: you’ll get Cabernet’s blackcurrant-and-savoury structure with Merlot’s plum and smoothness rounding out the palate.

What food matches best?

Pasta, pizza, burgers, roasts and tomato-based dishes are perfect. It also pairs beautifully with cheddar and nutty hard cheeses.

How should I serve it?

Serve at 16–18°C. If it’s warm out, a quick 10 minutes in the fridge helps keep it fresh and bright.

Who will love this wine?

If you like medium-bodied reds that are smooth and savoury (and you prefer no added preservatives), this Cab Merlot is an easy, weeknight-friendly pick.

(SKU: TM_PCM_CV)