Here's a superb merlot that's aged in 60% new barrels (French oak) and 40% of barrels of a wine, for 12 to 18 months. It's full-bodied in 60% new barrels (French oak) and 40% of barrels of a wine, for 12 to 18 months. Expect flavours of ripe dark cherry, plum, spice, leather and chocolate with flreshy tannins and a lengthy finish.