Costing under $15, the 2002 Deakin Estate Merlot from Victoria in Australia scored 14+ points on the Dionysian scale. It has 14% alcohol. Filled with plum and cherry, it was pleasant, but might have been better three years ago. At 13 years old, it had already peaked a few years ago. I seldom see higher alcohol wines mature with complexity of aromas and flavors.

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The wine was pleasant, still deep ruby, but I expected more flavor and complexities since I waited a decade to experience it.

I usually serve Pinot Noir with salmon, but older soft Merlot can also work. This time it was just okay, not great. The wine was soft and had a medium aftertaste. It might have shown better with mild cheese. In vino veritas.

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Potato, spinach and grilled salmon demands a red wine with a light body and good acid. Burgundy (Pinot Noir) always works with salmon as the feature item of a meal.