Mercer 2022 Malbec: A Modern Australian Malbec with Altitude and Elegance

The Mercer 2022 Malbec is a wine that beautifully showcases the potential of Hilltops, New South Wales, as an emerging region for premium red wine. This vintage reflects a modern Australian approach to winemaking, allowing the unique qualities of altitude to shine through and shape the character of the wine. With its vibrant garnet hue, expressive aromatics, and polished spice, the 2022 Mercer Malbec is a captivating expression of what this varietal can achieve in Australian soil.

The Mercer 2022 Malbec is a wine that beautifully showcases the potential of Hilltops, New South Wales, as an emerging region for premium red wine. This vintage reflects a modern Australian approach to winemaking, allowing the unique qualities of altitude to shine through and shape the character of the wine. With its vibrant garnet hue, expressive aromatics, and polished spice, the 2022 Mercer Malbec is a captivating expression of what this varietal can achieve in Australian soil.

A Showcase of Altitude and Terroir

The Hilltops region is renowned for its high-altitude vineyards, which benefit from cooler temperatures and longer growing seasons. These conditions allow the grapes to develop full ripeness while retaining their natural acidity, resulting in wines with balanced fruit intensity, structure, and freshness. The 2022 Mercer Malbec captures the essence of this terroir, offering a refined and elegant interpretation of the Malbec varietal, which traditionally thrives in Argentina but finds a unique voice in Australia.

Appearance: Garnet Elegance

In the glass, the Mercer 2022 Malbec has a striking garnet cherry hue, signalling its youthful vibrancy and depth. This colour is a hallmark of well-made Malbec, and it immediately hints at the wine’s rich, ripe fruit profile. The clarity and brilliance of the wine’s colour make it visually appealing, setting the stage for the aromatic complexity that follows.

Aroma: A Lifted and Floral Bouquet

On the nose, the 2022 Mercer Malbec offers a delicate yet expressive bouquet, with lifted notes of lavender and red liquorice. These floral and herbal characteristics add an aromatic complexity that elevates the wine beyond a simple fruit-forward style. There’s also an element of polished fruit spice, which lends warmth and depth to the aroma, suggesting a careful balance between fruit and oak.

The combination of these aromas creates a sophisticated bouquet that draws you in, offering both freshness and richness. It’s a nose that speaks to the wine’s high-altitude origins, where cooler temperatures allow for more subtle, nuanced aromatics to develop.

Taste: Polished and Refined

On the palate, the Mercer 2022 Malbec delivers on the promise of its aromatics. The flavours of red liquorice and ripe cherry are prominent, providing a juicy, fruit-driven core. This richness is balanced by a layer of spice, which adds complexity without overpowering the fruit. The spice notes are polished and well-integrated, giving the wine a smooth, refined character.

One of the defining features of this Malbec is its elegant structure. The altitude of the Hilltops region contributes to the wine’s freshness, with a fine, balanced acidity that keeps the fruit lively and vibrant. The tannins are soft and approachable, providing structure without being too firm or aggressive. This makes the wine incredibly drinkable, even in its youth, but with the potential to age gracefully for several more years.

Food Pairing: Versatile and Approachable

The Mercer 2022 Malbec is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Its rich fruit and spice make it a perfect match for grilled meats, particularly lamb or beef, where the wine’s acidity can cut through the richness of the meat. The subtle floral notes also make it a great pairing for herb-crusted dishes or roast vegetables, where the aromatics can complement the herbal flavours.

For a more adventurous pairing, try this Malbec with duck or game meats, as the wine’s fruit and spice will enhance the savoury, earthy flavours of the dish. The soft tannins also make it a wonderful companion for charcuterie or hard cheeses, allowing the wine’s complexity to shine through without overwhelming the palate.

A Modern Malbec with Australian Flair

The Mercer 2022 Malbec is a wine that informs, educates, and entertains with its modern Australian voice and high-altitude elegance. By allowing the unique terroir of Hilltops to shine through, this Malbec offers a fresh take on the varietal, balancing rich fruit with lifted aromatics and refined spice. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for a few years, this wine promises to provide a rewarding drinking experience for those who appreciate the finer nuances of Malbec.

With its polished character, vibrant fruit, and elegant structure, the 2022 Mercer Malbec is a standout wine that will appeal to both casual wine lovers and serious collectors. As the Hilltops region continues to establish itself as a premier location for premium red wine, this Malbec is a testament to the exciting potential of Australian winemaking.