Geoff Merrill Cabernet/Sauvignon Reserve
2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
THE NAME
“Approx. 14 months after vintage, Scott and I undergo a blind tasting to select the barrels from our Coonawarra and McLaren Vale vineyards that make the grade for our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. These barrels are blended together in tank then returned to a variety of new and seasoned American and French oak hogsheads for additional maturation prior to bottling.” – Geoff Merrill
VINTAGE INFORMATION
The lead up to the 2013 vintage in McLaren Vale and the Coonawarra was looking good with Winter rains leaving subsoil moisture levels quite high. The onset of Summer was quite mild giving way to high temperatures and virtually no rain in January and February resulting in relatively low yields for the regions. The 2013 vintage may have been light in crop, but they were very good in quality with the reds having excellent colour and flavour. The rapid and early harvesting tested many winemakers experience in juggling which vineyards to pick immediately and which grapes to keep on the vine. The results rank very highly compared against previous vintages that have earned McLaren Vale & Coonawarra their reputations.
WINEMAKERS NOTES
The colour is dark and dense, with intense deep red hues. The aroma is wonderfully varietal, displaying tomato leaf, violet perfume, spice and blue fruits, with a touch of soy and menthol. The palate is well structured by firm grippy tannin filled out with generous fruit flavour and supple texture. Even with some time under its belt, the palate is still youthful with great acidity, tension and bright fruit flavours. “Pair with rich glazed sauces and jus on slow cooked red meat or mushrooms. Beef stroganoff, beef bourguignon, beef short ribs or aged steak with a red wine sauce.”
For more information on the vineyard go to https://geoffmerrillwines.com.au/
To see our full range of Geoff Merrill products go to https://www.auswinesonline.co.uk/product-category/geoff-merrill-wines/
Geoff Merrill Cabernet/Sauvignon Reserve
£29.00 a bottle
Out of stock
In 1980, Geoff Merrill and business partner Trevor Stratton established Stratmer Vineyards, parent company of Geoff Merrill, Owens Estate and Mount Hurtle Wines. In the early years, Geoff Merrill wines were crafted at various locations across the South Australian wine regions, including Chateau Reynella and Pirramimma in McLaren Vale, and Peter Lehmann Wines in the Barossa Valley. A modern processing plant was established at McLaren Flat in 1984 in a joint venture with fellow winemaker, Goe DiFabio, which centralised the production of Geoff Merrill wines and allowed greater control over the winemaking process.
Trevor Stratton eventually sold his share of Stratmer Vineyards in 1992 to Alister Purbrick of Chateau Tahbilk, who remained a 50% partner until 2005. Geoff is now the sole owner of the company and continues to develop and produce exceptional wines.
The McLaren Vale is predominately a red wine region, producing some of the best red wines in South Australia. Vineyards were first planted in the mid 1800s. One of the early pioneers Thomas Hardy established a business that evolved to BRL Hardy, one of the largest wine companies in the country. The region also has a healthy number of boutique wineries that consistently make fine wines and experiment with different wine styles. The climate is warm to hot with dry summers, and benefits from cooling breezes from the St Vincent Gulf. The main wine styles: Red – Shiraz (rich, ripe & generous), Cabernet Sauvignon; White – Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc.
Probably the world’s most famous red grape variety. Originated from Bordeaux and has been present in Australia since 1832.
Wherever it has been planted the resulting wine has developed its own identity yet it is always recognisable. Although it will vary in intensity the aroma will always be dominated by berry characteristics in the classic wines and the tannins will be firm or textured and soften with age. Cabernet Sauvignon is high in acid and tannin and remains fresh for many years. It can be earthy and display strong blackcurrant flavours. The naturally high tannin and inherent complexity mean all Cabernet Sauvignons will improve with age.
Coonawarra, with its prized ‘terra rossa’ soils, Margaret River, Mount Barker (Great Southern) and Yarra Valley regions are considered the premium Cabernet Sauvignon areas in Australia.
Geoff Merrill Wines
Geoff Merrill Wines
Geoff Merrill Wines
Geoff Merrill Wines
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