A little less intense and concentrated that its younger brother, the 2008 showed a delicate finesse with a layered, savoury quality and a gentle balance of herbs and dark fruits. There is a warm quality that comes through from the sophisticated oak which lingers on the finish. Overall this is a lovely wine with a very attractive and elegant pedigree.

"An iconic Italian wine if there ever was one […] never disappoints" Ian d'Agata, Terroir Sense"Tua Rita’s legendary Merlot [...] A perennial overachiever"Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

"Volcanic Hill shows intense notes of cassis, blackcurrant, blueberries and black cherries, followed by violets, cocoa and cordial. This is full bodied and opulent, yet the tannic structure is beautifully integrated and nothing is overblown – the balance is impeccable. It also manages to be seriously refreshing. Cedar, sweet spice, tobacco, graphite and the faintest hint of truffle all emerge...

"Red Rock Terrace displays a beautiful core of blackcurrant, crème de cassis and juicy red plums. Hiding behind the gorgeous sweet fruit, fragrant notes of cordial, cocoa and liquorice emerge with time in the glass. Laser-beam precision is supported by the finest, grippiest tannins imaginable. Those tannins carry the beautifully concentrated fruit to a long, long finish. Effortless and perfectly...