Balnaves "The Blend" Cab Merlot is a remarkable wine. Dark red in colour, the nose is intense with aromas of mulberry, expressive blackberry and liquorice combined with delicate smoky-coffee French oak. The palate is medium bodied with a soft round Merlot mouthfeel, black fruit flavours and a touch of dried herbs. This wine will reward careful cellaring, and decant before drinking.
Awards and Accolades
94 Points - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion "56% cabernet sauvignon, 38% merlot 6% cabernet franc, matured in fine-grained French oak for 14 months. One of the classics at this price point, over-delivering the goods year in, year out. It makes you wonder why there aren't more blends such as this in Coonawarra, the blend with genuine integrity."
From the Winery:
Vintage 2014 was again mild with one warm day, cool weather during January and February allowing extended ripening. Cabernet Sauvignon (56%) from Quarry and Paulownia blocks and our old 1976 plantings, Merlot (38%) from Avery, Silage and Rise and Cabernet Franc (6%), were combined and matured in fine grained French oak for 14 months. Bottled in October 2015.
Don't Pay: $30.00
WBW Rating: 95/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Coonawarra, SA
Winemaker: Peter Bisell
Drink now until: 2025
Alc/Vol: 14.5 %
