GEOFF MERRILL 2015 RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2016 Reserve Shiraz

THE STORY

“Approx. 14 months after vintage, Scott and I undertake a blind tasting to select the

barrels from our McLaren Vale vineyards that make the grade for our Reserve Shiraz.

These barrels are blended together then returned to new and seasoned American and

French oak hogsheads for additional maturation prior to bottling.” - Geoff Merrill

VINTAGE INFORMATION

Preceding winter and spring rains were significantly lower than had been

previously reducing crop potential in the important growth stages leading up to

vintage. On average yields were down approximately 30% across many varieties

in McLaren Vale. Fluctuating temperatures in January and rainfalls in February

resulted in a ‘pause’ in vintage allowing ripening to occur at a more manageable

rate. By the end of vintage, even with the lower crop yields, our fruit had more

time to ripen properly resulting in very good flavour concentration, acidity and

structure.

WINEMAKERS NOTES

Aromas of savoury meats, herbs and spices come through initially which open

up to reveal dark plum, mulberry and coffee notes. Subtle creamy, toasty oak

adds complexity and depth. The palate is still youthful and tightly held together.

There is plenty of fine, grippy tannin and racy acidity to see this wine well into

the next decade. Flavours of raspberry, blueberry, roasted coffee and toasty

oak are coming together for the start of some very long and interesting bottle

development. Drink now to 2030.

FOOD PAIRING

Enjoy your Reserve Shiraz with barbecue pork ribs, smoked brisket, lamb

shanks, beef burgers and other sweet & savoury red meat dishes.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Winemakers: Geoff Merrill & Scott Heidrich

Variety: Shiraz

Region: McLaren Vale

Oak Treatment: 29 months in new and seasoned French and American oak

hogsheads and puncheons.

Harvest Date: March 2016

Alc: 14.5%, pH: 3.27 TA: 7.5 g/L, RS: 2.4 g/L