PRINCE STIRBEY | Merlot | Rezerva | Ordinul de Malta | 2018
merlot

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Today we are are going to review a single varietal merlot wine from the Dealurile Olteniei region of Romania – Merlot Rezerva | Ordinul de Malta 2018 by Prince Stirbey. This wine represents a tribute to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, in appreciation for their humanitarian projects. Merlot is usually regarded as the underdog to the highly priced cabernet sauvignon or cabernet franc varieties, but make no mistake, merlot wine is first class, as it is more versatile and ripens earlier than both cabernet grapes, responds well to oak ageing and can be grown in both, cool climate and warm climate regions with the same success. This wine has been produced from the best merlot grapes of Stirbey‘s vineyards, reducing the technical interventions as much as possible, in order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the merlot grapes and to highlight the unique terroir of the Dragasani wine growing area. After fermentation on natural yeasts and cryomaceration on skins for 6 weeks, the wine has been racked into romanian oak barriques (of which 50% new oak), where it has been aged for 24 months. The final wine has been bottled without fine filtration and produced in a limited edition of only 2500 bottles. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: medium-deep | ruby color
clarity: hazy | indigo hues on the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & vibrant
fruit character: ripe & overripe

On the first nose, the wine captivates with its ripe and overripe fruit character, showcasing a mesmerizing array of black and blue fruits in the foreground: black cherry, sour cherry, black plum, blue plum, blackthorn, blackberry and blueberry. The background offers a harmonious interplay of oak-derived and earthy notes of roasted oak, cloves, nutmeg, sweet tobacco, pencil lead, charcoal and some hints of rosemary and thyme. These wine’s complex aromatic profile create a tapestry of flavors that entices the senses and speaks of the wine’s two major facets: its varietal typicity and its terroir-driven character.

//Palate
sweetness: bone dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium+ | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: seedy-crisp

On the palate, this wine delivers a captivating array of flavors and a harmonious balance between all its defining elements. The fruit character is ripe to overripe, with a lovely mix between black and blue fruits, accompanied by subtle earthy and spicy undertones. The bright acidity invigorates the senses, while the fine-grained tannins provide a satisfying grip and structure on the mouthfeel. A touch of alcoholic warmth adds extra depth and richness to the wine’s complex structure. The palate is round, ample and rich, with a very appealing, seedy-crisp aftertaste that lingers and leaves a lasting impression.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or for another 3 to 5 years
verdict: great | a must try wine

Overall, this is a wine with a remarkable expression of the merlot grape variety, offering an ample, plump and vibrant character. Its complex flavor profile showcases a perfect balance between power and finesse. The rich and pleasantly seedy aftertaste, combined with the wine’s harmonious mouthfeel, creates a truly unique tasting experience. With its round, well structured palate and complex structure, this wine is a testament to the winemaker’s skill and dedication, who managed to capture the very essence of the merlot grape variety, in all its might and elegance. Whether you’re a seasoned wine expert or a wine enthusiast, this wine is sure to impress, especially those seeking excellence in their glass.

//Scoring
PRINCE STIRBEY | Merlot | Rezerva | Ordinul de Malta | 2018
variety: merlot
country: Romania | Oltenia
region: Dealurile Olteniei
rating: 94.0
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This is definitely a great wine of Romania and, with a total of 94.0 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s ample and complex character, we believe it will make a lovely pairing with an old-fashioned Tournedos Rossini steak. The wine’s vibrant and rich fruit character will complement nicely the tender and juicy beef tenderloin, while the wine’s seedy-crisp aftertaste and bright acidity will provide a refreshing contrast to the the meat’s soft and fat-rich flavours. In the same key, the fine-grained tannins will complement the meat’s texture, enhancing its succulence, while the earthy and spicy undertones in the wine, along with a touch of alcoholic warmth, will harmonize with the bold flavors of the foie gras and black truffle, adding depth and complexity to the pairing experience – a real culinary indulgence. Enjoy!

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