2014 Szekszárd Merlot - Takler Winery

Dusty red cherry, green tobacco, almost-ripe plum. Wild blackberry, copper penny, tart strawberry puree. Well-worn leather and old barrel, poblano pepper and paprika. Black currant, raspberry, and sour blueberry battle with iron and turned soil in a remarkably earth-driven and rustic attack. Delicate floral nuance appears in the form of dried violet and wilted rose yet do not distract from classic notes of aged cedar and old cellar. Tart, characterful, and nicely balanced; packed with distinctly old world charm and complex tertiary development. Medium in body and tannin with nicely lifted acidity. This 2014 Szekszárd Merlot by Takler Winery is a wonderfully interesting and food friendly red from Hungary.

Merlot is most widely planted grape in all of Bordeaux and its immense popularity in its homeland has instigated its spread to a multitude of wine regions the world over. This bottling, crafted by Takler Winery using Merlot grown in the Szeksárd region of southwestern Hungary, is an excellent example of the why this variety has become such an international success. Made in a fresh and classic style this wine contains near equal parts of deliciously tart fruit and pronounced earthiness, and it does not shy away from the variety's natural pyrazinic charm. It is well made, authentic, and unpretentious, maintaining both complexity and fantastic drinkability. Another excellent Hungarian gem we discovered thanks to PB Importer