James Halliday Wine Companion 2020

93%

Comprised of 60% merlot, 34% cabernet, 5% cabernet franc and a skerrick of petit verdot, this is all about poise. Ample fruit weight, detailed tannins, well nestled oak and a cool, underlying freshness. There is a sense of authority to this wine, imparting confidence. Confidence that the wine will age very well, but in breaching the screw cap now, delicious drinking already lies in store

Wine Details

• Region Coonawarra, South Australia
• Vintage 2016
• Type Red Wine
• Variety Merlot Blend
• Variety Composition

  60% Merlot 34% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Cabernet Franc 1% Petit Verdot

• Volume 750ml
• Alcohol Volume 14.5%
• PH

  3.45 g/l

• Standard Drinks 8.6
• Acidity

  6.41 g/l

• Closure ScrewCap
• Vineyard Notes

  Vintage 2016 was warm and mild with cool nights following Christmas – again a particularly good season for Merlot. Merlot (60%) from Avery, Silage, and Rise vineyards was combined with Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) from our new French ENTAV clones (338 + 412) Gumtree Cabernet Franc (5%) and Dunstan Petit Verdot (1%). This blend was then matured in fine grained French oak for 11 months.

• Tasting Notes

  Dark red in colour, the nose is intense with aromas blackberry, blueberry and anise combined with delicate smoky-coffee French oak. The palate is medium bodied with a soft round Merlot mouth-feel and black fruit flavours, with a touch of liquorice and blueberry.

  This wine will reward careful cellaring, and we recommend decanting before drinking.