When you think of Australian red wines, Merlot is not a variety that comes to mind. This 2008 Paringa Merlot from Riverland helps explain why. The color is good and the aromatics are ripe and plumy with dark chocolate notes, but the wine lacks varietal definition and the 15% alcohol leaves an alcoholic burn in the finish. Maybe another year or two in bottle may help smooth out the rough edges.
