2008 Radikon Merlot 1L

Radikon’s Merlot is one of the estate’s most serious and long-aged red wines, produced in Oslavia on the Friulian-Slovenian border. Far removed from soft, easy-drinking Merlot, this is a powerful, uncompromising expression shaped by long skin contact, extended ageing, and the estate’s radical low-intervention approach.

The wine spends around 1 month on the skins, followed by at least 5 years in used barriques and a further 8–10 years in bottle, depending on the vintage. The result is a wine built slowly, with time acting as the main shaping force. The 2008, now fully mature, shows the depth and complexity that come from this patient élevage. Here presented in the 1L format.

In the glass, it shows a deep ruby colour with garnet reflections. The nose is evolved and layered, with notes of black cherry, dried plum, medicinal herbs, coffee, liquorice, earth, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is structured and savoury, with firm but integrated tannins, fresh acidity, and a long, complex finish where dark fruit, herbal tones, and tertiary notes unfold gradually.

This is Merlot seen through Radikon’s lens: intense, wild, and deeply textural, with maturity, grip, and real contemplative depth.

Perfect with braised meats, game, aged cheeses, mushroom dishes, and slow-cooked winter food.

Serve: 16–18 °C
Drink: 2024–2055