The McLeish Estate single vineyard Merlot has been a cornerstone in our portfolio for over three decades and the 2017 Vintage is a standout.
The McLeish Estate single vineyard Merlot has been a cornerstone in our portfolio for over three decades. The focus is continually on using sensitive winemaking techniques that embody old school methods with a modern approach to production.
95 points - James Halliday - "From the famed '17 Hunter Valley vintage, comes a stand alone merlot that rocks. Swish it around a few times and the perfume grows with redcurrant, stewed plums, cinnamon, panforte. Walks the line between edgy savouriness and juicy, fruit power. Ten months in French oak has brought some svelte moves. - Jeni Port"
Tasting Notes
With a ruby red hue this wine is intensely aromatic with light florals and spices, red currants, plum and dried cherry notes on the nose. The palate displays red cherry and plum characters with developing notes of vanilla, cedar and chocolate with a powerful integration of juicy fruit, tannins and silky overall mouth feel.
Aging
Drink now or cellar for another 2 - 3 years.
Food Pairings
Confit Duck, mushroom risotto or aged Gouda.
Technical Notes
Vineyard
The Merlot vineyard was established in 1985 on an ideal mixture of sandy loam and red volcanic clay. The vines undergo careful fruit thinning (or cropping) prior to vintage which ensuries low yields and high quality fruit. The fruit is then hand harvested and outstanding fruit is selected to become our Reserve Merlot.
Production
After fermentaion in vat the wine is then matured for 10 months in a blend of new and mature French oak barriques.
Bottling Date 8th July 2018
Acid 6.2
pH 3.47
Alcohol 13%
