Mills Reef Reserve Gimblett Gravels Merlot

The grapes for this generous wine were grown in the stony soils of the prestigious Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District, on low yielding closely-spaced vines. The single vineyard fruit was picked at a relaxed pace in several parcels thanks to excellent sunny weather over harvest enabling unpressured picking decisions based solely on when each parcel had reached optimum ripeness and condition. Harvesting commenced on 22nd March and finished on 27th March 2018.

The grapes were gently crushed, allowing some whole berries to remain intact, with the resulting must then transferred into open-top and closed-top fermenters for a 4-day cold soak. Fermentation proceeded with twice-daily plunging of the cap for colour, flavour and fine tannin extraction. The resulting wine was racked once and aged for 12 months in quality French oak 300L hogsheads (25% new wood). The finished settled wine completed élevage in excellent balance and condition, permitting it to be bottled un-fined and unfiltered in order to retain maximum quality, complexity and intensity. Bottling took place during June 2019 under screwcap closure.

This full-bodied Merlot, sourced from premium grapes, is opulent with plum and boysenberry flavours, complexed with dark chocolate and spicy oak notes. Velvety textured and layered, this appetising wine is ready for immediate enjoyment, or to reward judicious cellaring.