Please Help Japan

Voga Italia Merlot 2007

The Voga Italia collection of wines all come in unusual shaped and designed bottles. This one, the merlot, looks more like an aftershave bottle or something, with it's cylindrical shape and grey plastic lid.

It's only for sale to restaurants (at least in Japan), but I got it through our local supermarkets internet delivery service, they sometimes have unusual or special offers.

It's 100% merlot and 100% of the grapes are from Sicily, according to their website.

The wine is a deep purple in the glass with a strong, powerful nose. The aroma seemed to quickly fill up the room after pouring.

On the nose there were some peppers, spices, mixed with some dark berries and some earthy tones.

On the palate it was dry but not as fruity or bold as I was expecting, from the nose.
Dry and tannic, and a bit rough on the front teeth.

It's quite mellow but also fresh, with a medium finish.

It's a little earthy, but overall there's no big bold taste, just a good, mellow, dry merlot.

I like this. Shame I only got one bottle of the merlot (the special offer's finished so looks like I won't be able to get this again).

9 Drinkers Online - Cheers!