Montague Dextra Merlot Blend 2021

Awards 

Ray Jordan 93 Points –
This is a 57% merlot, 29% cabernet franc and the rest petit verdot. Has had 13 months in a mix of seasoned Hungarian and French oak hogsheads. Has a bright violet and red berry perfume. IT’s medium bodied with a lovely aromatic. The red berry characters are well to the fore. It’s a medium bodied wine, displaying elegance and poise. The chalky tannins accentuate its linear palate profile. Well-crafted and idea as a wine for drinking in the short term, while those vibrant buoyant fruit characters are dominant.

Tasting Notes

• Colour: Deep ruby with a garnet hue.
• Aromatics: Bright violet and fresh red berries, evolving into subtle notes of sandalwood, black olive, and charcuterie.
• Palate: A silky texture with soft blue fruits, raspberry, and baking spice. Chalky tannins lead to a refined, elegant finish.

Winemaker’s Note

“Dextra is a beautifully restrained expression of Merlot, fine-boned yet full of quiet complexity.”

Viticulture & Winemaking

🔹 Region: Frankland River, WA

🔹 Varietal Breakdown:
✔ Merlot (57%) – Plush, velvety fruit & floral aromatics.
✔ Cabernet Franc (29%) – Herbaceous spice & structure.
✔ Petit Verdot (14%) – Depth & fine tannins.

🔹 Fermentation:
✔ Fermented in small batches for precision & elegance.
✔ Gentle extraction to preserve delicate fruit character.

🔹 Aging: 13 months in Hungarian & French oak (seasoned hogsheads) for subtle oak influence & fruit purity.

🔹 Alcohol: 13.9% | pH: 3.52 | T/A: 5.6g/L

Sustainability & Natural Practices 🌱

🔹 Minimal Intervention – Handcrafted to highlight the fruit’s natural elegance.
🔹 Sustainably Farmed – Responsibly grown on premium vineyard sites.
🔹 Vegan-Friendly – No animal-derived fining agents used.

Storage & Serving Tips ❄️

🔹 Serving Temperature: 16–18°C – enhances fruit purity & aromatic complexity.

🔹 Decanting: 60 minutes to unlock floral & spice nuances.

🔹 Cellaring Potential: Best enjoyed now but can develop further complexity over 3–5 years.

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

🔹 Grilled Lamb with Rosemary – Complements the wine’s herbaceous and spice notes.

🔹 Mushroom Risotto – Highlights the wine’s silky texture & umami depth.

🔹 Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Taleggio) – Enhances the delicate, creamy elements.

🔹 Duck Confit with Spiced Cherry Sauce – Plays beautifully with the wine’s red fruit & floral character.

FAQ Wine Terms 🧐

❓ What does ‘Dextra’ mean?
Latin for “right hand,” a nod to the Right Bank of Bordeaux, known for Merlot-based blends.

❓ Why use Hungarian oak?
It adds a delicate spice and subtle texture, allowing the fruit to shine.

❓ What makes this wine stand out?
Its soft, linear structure, delicate complexity, and versatility make it effortlessly enjoyable and food-friendly.

A refined and elegant Merlot blend, Dextra 2021 is the perfect wine for those who appreciate subtlety, finesse, and quiet depth. 🍷