The 2023 Bindi Dhillon Glenhope Merlot & Friends is a beautifully balanced cool-climate Bordeaux-inspired blend that showcases Michael Dhillon’s pursuit of elegance, purity and drinkability. Produced from the granite soils of the Glenhope Vineyard in the northern Macedon Ranges, this is a new addition to the Dhillon range and demonstrates how the warmer Glenhope site can fully ripen later-ripening Bordeaux varieties while retaining freshness and moderate alcohol. The blend comprises Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a wine that is medium-bodied, vibrant and exceptionally harmonious.
The nose is fragrant and expressive, revealing aromas of red plum, black cherry and redcurrant layered with violet, wild raspberry and subtle floral notes. As the wine opens, hints of woodsmoke, fresh herbs and gentle baking spice emerge, complemented by touches of graphite, cocoa and savoury earth. The aromatic profile is elegant and refined, balancing bright berry fruit with lifted floral complexity and cool-climate freshness.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with silky tannins, vibrant natural acidity and impressive fruit purity. Layers of plum, sour cherry, pomegranate and blackcurrant are supported by subtle savoury herbs, gentle spice and finely integrated oak. The Merlot provides plushness and generosity, Cabernet Franc contributes fragrance and freshness, while Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon add structure and depth. Despite its concentration, the wine remains graceful and energetic, finishing long, smooth and beautifully balanced with lingering notes of red berries, cocoa, herbs and mineral freshness. The style is elegant rather than powerful, offering a distinctly Macedon Ranges interpretation of a classic Bordeaux blend.
