Thompson Estate Cabernet Merlot 2017

93 POINTS

Ned Goodwin - Halliday's Wine Companion

A superlative vintage, but what sets Thompson Estate's wines apart is their understated confidence. The fruit, a jubilant chorus of cabernet's choir, singing currant, graphite and bay leaf. Merlot provides some juicy fill and Malbec (7%) and franc (6%) some aromatic high tones. The oak, older French, serves as a signpost rather than a stop sign.

92 POINTS

Christina Pickard - Wine Enthusiast

This Cab-Merlot blend provides a lovely, approachable example of its distinctive style. It opens with upfront aromas of currants, tobacco leaf, olive, seaweed and dried savory herbs. There's an appealing tang and crunchiness to the fruit in the mouth, with a savory, saline spine. Sandpapery tannins are chiseled and a little austere but neatly placed. The finish is long. Pair with steak, roast beef or lamb.

90 POINTS

James Suckling

This has impressively ripe and glossy red-fruit aromas with some baking spices and a cedary oak overlay that adds some classically styled complexity to the mix. The palate has a plush red-plum and mulberry fruit core with gently grainy tannins and chocolate here, too. Medium body. Good balance. Drink now. Screw cap.