A very powerful wine in both aroma & palate structure. The aroma is characterized by black cherries & ripe plums, layered with aromas of spicy toasted oak, which gives great complexity. This complex aroma is carried over on the palate & further emphasized by the silky oak & fruit tannins. These deep tannins give the wine the length & persistence to be one of the best Merlots produced by Haan Wines since its creation in 1997. To fully appreciate this wine, we recommend that it be decanted 3 to 4 hours before serving. AGEING While released with quite some readiness, there is no doubt that the Merlot Prestige will develop further with more bottle age. We expect it to show extremely well at around 8 to 10 years of age. AWARDS The 2006 Merlot Prestige was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2009 London International Wine & Spirit Competition The 2005 Haan Merlot Prestige was awarded 95 points in James Hallidays 2009 Wine Companion The 2005 Haan Merlot Prestige was awarded 91 points by Robert Parker in 2007 The 2004 Haan Merlot Prestige was awarded 94 points in James Hallidays 2008 Wine Companion The 2004 Haan Merlot Prestige was awarded 89-91 points by Robert Parker in 2006 The 2003 Haan Merlot Prestige was awarded 91 points by Robert Parker in 2005 The 2002 Haan Merlot Prestige was awarded a silver medal (Best in Class)
- International Wine & Spirit Competition, London, 2005 The 2002 Haan Merlot Prestige was awarded Top Merlot
- Divine Mayhem Tasting, July 2005 The 2002 Haan Merlot Prestige was awarded 92 points
- Robert Parker Review, 2004 The 2002 Haan Merlot Prestige was chosen for the Top 100 at the Sydney International Wine Competition 2005 The 2000 Haan Merlot Prestige won a bronze medal at the 2002 Canberra Wine Show. The 1997 Haan Merlot Prestige won a gold medal & trophy at the 1999 Barossa Wine Show. The 1996 Haan Merlot Prestige won a gold medal at the 1998 Sydney International Wine Competition.