2020 Single Vineyard Merlot

The cooler climate of Pemberton allows for the slow ripening of this classic Bordeaux variety, producing exquisitely supple and silky tannins alongside a bright and juicy acidity – hallmarks of high-quality Merlot wines. 

On the palate this wine is bursting with blueberry and plums and layered with sweet vanilla oak and warm spice. A light leafy hint and an earthy minerality suspend structured tannins to produce a medium-bodied wine with delicious weight and texture. As Huon Hooke of The Real Review said: "Very good value here."

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%

Ray Jordan Wine Guide 2024

A plush medium bodied Merlot. Red berry and fruit cake aromas with a little prune juice addition. The palate is soft, supported with fine chalky tannins and understated vanillin oak. Rounded and fruit driven. Ideal for current drinking. The extra year has introduced a layer of cedary and slightly spicy complexity.

92

Stuart Knox, The Real Review 2022

Deep ruby with a purple tint at the rim. Nose lifts with ripe blood plum and graphite aromas. Palate fills with ripe plums, leafy hints and a dark slate minerality that adds interest to the flow. Tannins are fine-grained to caress and drive it long. Very good value here.

91