{"product_id":"barton-guestier-reserve-merlot","title":"Barton \u0026 Guestier Reserve Merlot 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBarton \u0026amp; Guestier Reserve Merlot\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a generous southern French take on Merlot, with ripe strawberry, blackberry and dark plum flavours, a gentle coffee note and a smooth, rounded palate. Made from 100% Merlot grown across the Hérault, Gard and Aude in the Pays d'Oc, it balances juicy fruit with fresh acidity and fine, lightly firm tannins. Barton \u0026amp; Guestier has been trading wine since 1725, so there is plenty of experience behind this easygoing red. A smart choice for weeknight dinners, barbecued lamb, roast chicken or pasta with a rich tomato sauce.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 2024 fruit was sourced from the Hérault, Gard and Aude areas of Languedoc, where soils include schist, marl, chalk and clay. Part of the harvest underwent flash détente to build colour and fruit expression, while the remainder was traditionally fermented in vats with twice-daily rack and return. A three-week maceration and micro-oxygenation before malolactic fermentation helped soften the tannins. The finished wine is garnet red, with ripe strawberry, blackberry and delicate coffee notes, followed by a harmonious, rounded palate. It is suitable for vegans and best served at 16°C to 18°C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, 90 Points (2024)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e“Dark red and ruby core with ruby and soft pink rim leads to a bouquet and palate of dark plums and cherry, a touch of black currant compote and smoky spices. A dry wine with fine through gently firm tannins, plenty of acidity for freshness and crunch and a gravelly earth quality. Well made with persistent flavours and medium+ length. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2030. Excellent value.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSam Kim, Wine Orbit, 4 Stars and 88 Points (2024)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e“Attractively ripe and fragrant, the bouquet shows dark plum, wild strawberry, thyme, and nutmeg notes, followed by a beautifully rounded palate that's juicy and supple. Well-balanced and smooth with a lingering, fruity finish. At its best: now to 2028.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182032019823,"sku":"100731","price":101.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/Barton_GuestierReserveMerlot2024.jpg?v=1783708363","url":"https:\/\/stolencellar.co.nz\/products\/barton-guestier-reserve-merlot","provider":"Stolen Cellar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}