Tamburlaine Organic Merlot 2023: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Plum & cocoa-smooth

This is Merlot the way we love it: plush, smooth and quietly savoury. Think ripe plum and mulberry, a dusting of cocoa, and a gentle dried-herb edge that keeps it feeling fresh rather than sweet. The palate is medium-bodied and dry, finishing with soft, silky tannins that make it a natural with food (and very easy to pour “just one more” glass).

Highlights

• Certified organic and vegan-suitable
• Plum and mulberry fruit with a cocoa-savoury finish
• Medium-bodied, smooth and dinner-friendly
• Soft, silky tannins (great if you dislike aggressive reds)

Taste Profile

Tasting Notes

Ripe plum and mulberry lead, followed by cocoa and a gentle savoury lift (think dried herbs and a touch of earth). The palate is smooth and medium-bodied, finishing dry with soft, silky tannins and a comforting, food-friendly feel.

Winemaking

Made in a modern, fruit-forward style to keep Merlot supple and smooth. Gentle extraction and careful maturation help shape the tannins so they feel silky rather than firm—exactly what you want from a great “weeknight red.”

Vineyard & Vintage

From organically managed vineyards selected for ripe, plush Merlot flavour. The aim here is balance: generous fruit, enough savoury detail, and a clean finish that doesn’t feel heavy.

Why We Love It

Because it’s the easiest red to pair with dinner: plush fruit, soft tannins, and just enough savoury edge to keep it interesting. It’s also a brilliant “red for white-wine drinkers” when you want something gentle and smooth.

Food Pairing

Merlot loves roast chicken, pork, mushroom dishes and tomato-based pastas. It’s also a perfect Cheese Board Match—especially with cheddar, gouda or a nutty alpine-style cheese.

Try matching this wine with →

• Roast chicken with garlic and herbs — Find a Recipe
• Mushroom stroganoff — Find a Recipe
• Spaghetti bolognese — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

A midweek reset: comfy clothes, a simple dinner, and a red that feels like exhaling.

Cellaring

Drink now for plush fruit and silkiness, or cellar for 2–5 years to lean a little more savoury and earthy.

Producer

Tamburlaine has been making wine since 1966 and began converting vineyards to organic production in 1998. With vineyards across the Hunter Valley and the high-altitude Orange/Central Ranges region, they’re known for clean, modern organic wines that keep freshness and drinkability front and centre.

Related Wines To Try →

More smooth, dinner-friendly reds (including a great option from another producer):

• Plush organic Merlot with dark berry fruit and soft tannins — Angove Naturalis Organic Merlot
• Medium-bodied Cabernet with dark fruit and silky tannins — Tamburlaine Organic Grapevine Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
• Juicy, savoury red blend for easy dinners — Tamburlaine No Added Preservative Cabernet Merlot 2025

FAQ

What does Tamburlaine Organic Merlot taste like?

Plum and mulberry fruit with cocoa and a gentle savoury herb lift. It’s medium-bodied, dry, and finishes smooth with soft, silky tannins.

Is this Merlot sweet?

No—this wine finishes dry. The ripe plum and cocoa notes can feel “plush,” but it’s not sweet on the palate.

Is it light or full-bodied?

It sits in the medium-bodied zone: more generous than Pinot, but softer and rounder than Cabernet Sauvignon.

Is it organic and vegan?

Yes—certified organic and vegan-suitable.

Does it contain preservatives (sulphites)?

This wine isn’t sold as preservative-free. Like most wines, it may contain naturally occurring sulphites and can have standard sulphite management for stability. Learn more about preservative in wine

What’s the best food match?

Roast chicken, mushroom dishes, tomato-based pastas and pork are all excellent. It’s also a natural with a cheddar-forward cheese board.

Do I need to decant it?

Not necessary. If you’d like it a touch more savoury, give it 10 minutes of air in the glass.

How should I serve it?

Serve at 16–18°C. A quick 10-minute fridge chill helps if the room is warm.

Who will love this wine?

If you like smooth reds with plush fruit and gentle tannins (or you want a “soft landing” red that pairs with almost anything), this Merlot is a perfect fit.

(SKU: TM_Mer_CV)