Passing Clouds Merlot

[Guest]

Tasted a Passing Clouds Merlot 1997 this evening - found lurking in the cellar and I figured I should drink it. A pleasant surprise, to say the least. Nice fruit, almost pinot-ish. Blackcurranty, earthy notes. Long. Seems quite developed. Decanted right before drinking. Got a little better after about 30 mins. Nice to drink now. Cost about $17 (CD) from memory.

[didgidee]

I am not surprised at your rap mate. Graeme Leith fashions some lovely drops and they have nice regional character at a fair, unhyped price. I have found Passing Clouds to be concistently good and always ageworthy. His cab shiraz blend[Grame's Blend 60/40] is a splendid drop. Some of my best wine drinking memories of the 90's are founded upon his wines. I guess Heathcote is stealing his thunder a bit more these days but i like his honest winemaking, always balanced and nice fruit, not overipe despite his warmish,dry climate.