Vintage 2019
BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
VINEYARD NOTES
The Stockwell Rise vineyard planted in 2007 provides the majority of this Merlot’s source (92%) planted to selections SAVII 01, SAVII 02. The vineyard is south of the Stockwell township on a slightly elevated location overlooking Stockwell Road. The soil profile; red and brown soils over red clay with an underlying stone and clay mix. The Vine Vale Sands Vineyard (8% of the Merlot source) planted in 2001 to Merlot selections 8R, Q45-14 in brown/red clay sand mix on white sand over yellow, red, brown clays. These vines enjoy a small amount of additional food and supplementary water to help maintain them on tough days. The vine is trained to a single wire trellis system with lift wires. Detailed spur pruning gives better bunch positioning and a limited number of grapes per year.
HARVEST NOTES
The growing season started dry and continued that way. In September below average maximum temperatures, but over 3ºC below average minimums which delayed budburst and early vine growth. The drier soils combined with warmer than average October and November days meant vine growth caught up, but the below average minimum temperatures in November and clear night skies resulted in another frost in November. If the frosts and dry conditions were not enough, the flowering period was windy and unsettled, and a hailstorm on 22 November topped it all off. The summer months of December and January experienced above average maximum temperatures. These parcels were fermented in two batches with 12 days on skins. Twice daily pump overs and gently pushing down the cap. After ferment is done, we press the juice from the skins with our computer controlled open slot air bag press to barrel. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation then we rack and return to barrel for maturation.
"Sweetly fruited and perfumed, the bouquet shows Black Doris plum, raspberry, violet and toasted nut aromas with a hint of dried herb complexity. It's succulent and supple on the palate, delivering excellent fruit purity together with silky texture and fine grainy tannins, finishing wonderfully long and attractive. At its best: now to 2032." 94 Points - Wine Orbit, Sam Kim.
Download Tasting Notes Estate Grown Merlot Vintage 2019
$35 per bottle - SOLD OUT