2008 Merlot

In 2008, we had a sudden heat wave - 40°C temperature for 3 days in a row - just when our merlot was due to be picked. Thankfully the wine didn't show any sunburned characters, due most likely to our strict sorting regime.  

After hand sorting to remove any shrivel or bird damage, the grapes were destemmed and crushed into stainless steel tanks where the must was pumped over twice daily with several déléstages during the peak of fermentation. The wine was racked post malolactic fermentation to a combination of new (40%) and old French oak for approximately 15 months barrel maturation. 

This wine shows lovely spice, black plum and fruitcake aromas leading to a rich, round palate, exploding with plum and juicy blackberry flavours; grainy tannins support the sweet fruit middle palate. 

Bottled in August 2009, approximately 110 dozen produced.