Reserve Merlot - a "happy" but sophisticated Merlot.
Our Reserve Merlot is made for drinking now or cellaring for a few years. A fuller style Merlot with  bags of flavour that can be enjoyed with food or on it's own. Slightly lighter than the Blends it is a good wine to have with the BBQ during the summer months. The wine was originally launched under the label Marie's Vineyard, but as it is made from Unison Vineyard grapes on the Gimblett Gravels we now brand it as Reserve Merlot to save confusion.
Vinification – Our best quality grapes from
selected rows are hand picked and gently handled. Fermentation is
completed over 2-3 weeks and the wine then enters a period of
maceration. Daily tasting identifies the optimum time for pressing off
the skins. All our wines are pressed off using a traditional basket
press to ensure the wines is not tarnished with harsh tannins.
Maturation – Aged in small oak barriques for 9
months. Mainly 2, 3, 4 year old barrels were used to give a subtle oak
influence
Current Vintage 2008:
A warm summer was followed by a wet autumn.
Tasting notes:
Aromas of red plum and nutmeg mingle with the scent of warm gravel soils and lavender on a hot summer’s day.
Beginning with a lively entry, the wine develops in the mouth revealing an intensity of sweet plum, spice and dried herb flavours wrapped in a silky and supple texture. A creamy finish leaves the palate with a warming, satisfying end.
A medium bodied approachable wine packed with flavour to enjoy with good food and friends.
Serving suggestions: Good food matches are Italian tomato based dishes, but also try with more spicy foods like Indian, Moroccan or Mexican.
Cellaring: 3 - 5 years
Previous Vintages:
Vintage 2007
An exceptionally warm, dry summer
with long fine days at the height of summer. A gentle dry autumn allowed
fruit to be picked at optimum ripeness producing wines of elegance and
finesse.
Winemakers notes
Overall impression – A bold yet sophisticated Merlot.
Lushness is synonymous with the excellent 2007 vintage from the
Gimblett Gravels. 2007 is recognised as one of the best vintages from
the Gimblett Gravels region.
Bouquet – Aromas of ripe red and black berry fruits.
Notes of dark cherry and vanilla.
Palate – Mouth filling and an intense, concentrated
berry and savoury flavours with h notes of spice and herbs. Fine grained
tannin supports and elegant lingering finish.
Cellaring – 3-5 years
Serving suggestions – Well suited to partnering with spicy
dishes or full flavoured red meat dishes.
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