1993 Yalumba Reserve Coonawarra Merlot (cork): 13% alc. Medium to dark red/garnet. Heavily aged, stocky and leathery at first, although with some breathing it shows some life; black liquorice, sweet musk, cinnamon sugar and violets ahead of slender plum fruit. The palate is medium-weight at most, and has some surprising peppery heat mid-palate, finishing with ripe but dry tannins. Despite a perfect fill level and good cork this was a few years past its best - then again, some life in a 23 year old Coonawarra Merlot may be considered an achievement.