Description
Winemaker’s comment
The 2017 vintage seems to be a carbon copy of 2015 vintage except for much less rain during the winter months. The farm used irrigation to make up for the lack of moisture in the soil resulting in grapes packed with explosive tannins and fruity flavours.
Vinification
The grapes were hand-picked, cooled down over night in a coolroom before they were destemmed and vinified. Fermentation took place at 25-28*C with 3-4 pump-overs and punch downs. Total maceration including fermentation was 11-15 days after which the wine is kept on the skins for an additional 2 weeks before pressed. Malo-lactic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine was racked twice during barrel maturation time of 16 months. This wine has 30% new oak and the balance is 2nd and 3rd fill barrels.
Soil & Terroir
All of the vineyards are on North facing slopes. The soils consist of rocky clay of 10 to 15 %, which allows for good water retention ability. Supplementary irrigation was used sparingly and on a needs basis during the growing season.
Tasting note
This Merlot shows notes of red forest berries, ripe plums with a slight cedar undertone. On the palate the wine opens up to a bowl of red and blackberries followed by some savory notes. The acid is moderate allowing the tannins to show its silky elegance with a long savory finish. This wine drinks well now but can be aged for a further 8-10 years.
Technical Data
Alc: 14.45 vol%
Total Extract: 34.2 g/l
Res sugar: 2.8 g/l
T.A: 6.2 g/l
V.A: 0.65 g/l
pH: 3.51
Awards
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- 2013 – 4* John Platter
- 2014 – 4* John Platter
- 2015 – 4* John Platter/Tim Atkin 88 pts/Veritas DOUBLE GOLD
2016 – 4* John Platter
Food Match
Artichokes, truffles, risotto, coq au vin, malva pudding
