This is not the “Hand bag carrying” Merlot that you normally encounter in Australia. This is a proper wine with tannin, oak and the ability to age.  

The vineyard was amongst the very first to be planted in Orange, back in 1983 at Cargo Road Vineyards. James Sweetapple lives on the property and produces Merlot, Cabernet and Zinfandel for Piggs Peake.

It is a magical site. The 2010 House of Straw Merlot has huge lifted black currant aromas and berries on the nose, while the palate is elegant with fine dusty tannin.