Yalumba Y Series Merlot 2009

85 points - "Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2009 The Y Series Merlot has aromas of red plums, blackberries and a whiff of spice box. Medium bodied with a good amount of plumy flavor concentration, it is well balanced by medium to high acidity and a low to medium level of soft tannins, finishing medium to long and peppery. Drink it now through 2014."

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, eRobertParker.com #199 (USA), February 2012

"Cheap and cheerful."

Matt Skinner, Good Food Australia, August 2011

89 points - "I’m recommending a Merlot regularly discounted under $10. I never thought I’d see the day! Its dark fruits, layers of mixed spice and violet perfume make it appealing and  - varietal!"

Tyson Stelzer, Wine 100 (Aus), May 2011

86 points - "The Y Series reds are very cleverly made. Balance is usually the key. I tried this alongside the Yalumba Y Series Shiraz of the same vintage. And while I reckon this is a pretty decent wine - especially given the price - the shiraz outshines it. This tastes of polished cedar and mulberry, woodspice and twiggy blackberries. It's good (to very good) for the most part, but it leaves a bitter aftertaste. It's a pity because for the most part, it tastes (and smells) excellent. Drink: 2011-2012."

Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front (Aus), 22 March 2011

4 stars - "Yalumba’s extensive South Australian vineyard resources are skilfully managed to provide value across a range of wines. This example provides authentic merlot varietal personality on a budget. Cherry, mulberry, spice and earthy fruit qualities mark a smooth, soft red of ripe flavour and light but dry tannic structure. Food ideas: lamb chops; pasta with tomato sugo and cheese."

Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age - Epicure (Aus), 15 February 2011

BLOODY GOOD - "Winemaker Andy La Nauze clearly understands how to bring the best out in his fruit. This has some subtle, delicate elements - lovely lifted aromatics in the redcurrant jube spectrum. It is fruit-driven: raspberry, mulberry, red cherry flavours that are bright and generous, fine and silky smooth, finishing supple and gently soft. Quaff on!"

Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2011 (Aus), September 2010