I understand ho hum about a lot of Merlot, indeed grey is sometimes used to describe the varietal when the wine is less than very good. However, when made by an expert and produced from a terroir that beguiles the senses, I have to shout loud and strong - This is a wine not to be missed. Seductive, passionate and bold, this wine executes a perfect inwards triple somersault and enters the palate with verve and precision.
93 Points - Gary Walsh - The Wine Front "It offers a mix of berries and plum, tobacco and cedar and attractive unobtrusive nutty oak. Medium bodied, fresh and lively with excellent balance throughout – nothing hot, jangling or jarring here. Sweet fruit and savoury flavours co-exist in harmony and the length is excellent. Lovely wine – made for drinking."
Awards and Accolades
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion "Strongly savoury, but equally strongly varietal; earth and black olive frame the blackcurrant and redcurrant fruit; good length."
From the Winery
Deep plum red and purple with very light garnet tinges. Attractive combination of dark berry fruits complemented by subtle light oak. Ripe plum with earthy forest floor fruit aromas persist. The underlying spice and light oak tones are very nicely integrated. A smooth and generous palate structure that is pleasingly soft with ripe plum and savoury fruit. Subtle earthy and light spicy qualities add complexity. The wine has abundant middle palate flavour, balanced acid and soft tannins to enhance the lingering finish.
2006 Coonawarra vintage will be remembered as being very early and for the very low yields. Slightly above average temperatures prevailed during summer and extended into ripening. The ideal conditions produced grapes that were disease free and in excellent condition. The wines display abundant varietal flavour and good palate structure with excellent colour, tannins and subtle richness. Harvest of Merlot commenced in the last week of March, almost 2 weeks earlier than usual in Coonawarra.
Matured in predominantly small, French oak barriques for 26 months. Approx 40% of the barrels were new. Enjoy this wine with a rare-roasted venison loin on kumara puree with a Spanish onion jam and Merlot glaze.
Don't Pay: $40.00
WBW Rating: 93/100
Closure: Cork
Region: Coonawarra, SA
Winemaker: Wayne Stehbens
Drink now until: 2018
Alc/Vol: 13.5 %