2021 Single Vineyard Merlot

"The timing for the release of this 2021 Single Vineyard Merlot couldn’t be better... After 12 months in barrel, and 3 years bottle age, it’s just hitting it’s straps now. The oak is seamlessly integrated with bright youthful fruit, and that time cellaring in the bottle has softened the tannins considerably for a long silky mouthfeel." – Ben Rector, Senior Winemaker.

Colour

Brick red, purple hues.

Aroma

A lifted, perfumed nose with hints of charred, spicy oak alongside blue and red berry fruits.

Palate

The palate exhibits bright, fresh blueberry and ripe plum characters, complemented by layers of sweet vanillin oak and spice. The fine, persistent tannin structure promotes medium-bodied intensity and a gentle, smooth finish.

Cellaring

Cellar for 3–8 years.

vintage

Abundant winter rainfall filled dams and promoted vine canopy growth. A cool spring resulted in slower maturity but promoted rich fruit flavours in both whites and reds. Occasional rainfall during the harvest period provided some challenges. However, a dedicated viticultural team helped procure clean fruit despite disease pressure. Reds benefited greatly from a warm and dry autumn.

winemaking

The fruit was handpicked, then destemmed in the winery to small fermenters for a three-day cold soak. Gentle maceration techniques during fermentation were used to promote ripe berry flavours and minimal extraction of grape seed tannins. Pressed off skins post-fermentation into new and seasoned French oak hogsheads for nine months maturation. Bottled early promoting freshness of aromatics.

Region

Pemberton 

Variety

Merlot

Analysis

• Alcohol: 14.0%