2017 Sandpiper Merlot
Comments
Deep red with purple hues. The nose shows aromas of lifted red plums and five spice with dark cherry notes. The palate is mid weight and juicy with plush, soft tannins. It shows a lively red fruit profile with savoury tones adding restraint and elegance to the finish.
Vinification Notes
The grapes are crushed and de-stemmed into fermenters. Yeast is added immediately once in fermenter and the ferments are pumped over twice daily to maximise colour, tannin and flavour extraction. Cooling is used to ensure ferments remain in the 22-25 degrees celcius range which will allow the fruit to display maximum fruit expression. Pressing then occurs approximately seven days after crushing and the wine is then put into a mix of French and American oak to mature (12 months in tight grain French and American oak).
Vintage Notes
An above average wet spring and cooler than average summer temperatures led to a later start to picking than normal. This combined with a long and mild ripening period meant that our fruit developed to a beautiful level of maturity on the vine. This has led to outstanding flavours and perfumed, expressive wines. The colours are vibrant and tannins are silky with a fine savoury finish.
Harvested
March 2017
Gold / Top 50 Wines at 2018 New World Wine Awards
89 Points – James Halliday
The cooler vintage seems to have helped to enhance the varietal character and in fact the quality in general with this release. Soft red fruit aromas of mulberry and raspberry sit alongside the typical ripe plum character, and there's a supple, juicy quality to the palate. A light touch of oak and well balanced astringency on the finish complete the picture.
- Steven Creber
| Region : | Barossa |
|---|---|
| Vineyards : | St Kitts, Milton park, Kabininge |
| Bottled : | June 2016 |
| Alcohol : | 14.5 |