Elderton Estate Barossa Merlot 2018 (Australia)

Elderton Estate Barossa Merlot 2018 (Australia)Doris Plum Vanilla Thyme Polished tannins "The 2018 Merlot shows a vibrancy and juiciness. It is cool fermented, under 22C, and so has retained its fruit forward flavours. Ripeness in the vineyard has also ensured a soft supple palate" Winemaker "Wonderfully fruited and perfumed, the wine shows Black Doris plum, blueberry, violet, thyme and cedar characters, leading to a beautifully weighted palate that is fleshy and flowing. It is pristine and

• Doris Plum
• Vanilla
• Thyme
• Polished tannins

"The 2018 Merlot shows a vibrancy and juiciness. It is cool fermented, under 22C, and so has retained its fruit forward flavours. Ripeness in the vineyard has also ensured a soft supple palate" Winemaker

"Wonderfully fruited and perfumed, the wine shows Black Doris plum, blueberry, violet, thyme and cedar characters, leading to a beautifully weighted palate that is fleshy and flowing. It is pristine and complex at the same time, brilliantly supported by loads of polished tannins. At its best: 2020 to 2028" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Nov 2019

Deep red colour in the glass. Medium bodied, classic, supple. Showcasing aromas of plum, red berries, spice. Plum, red fruits, spice and vanilla flavours on the palate.

The Elderton vineyard, which is approximately 72 acres in size, has only two small blocks of Merlot. Both of these blocks are towards the back of the vineyard, on the highest point, where the soils are much sandier and freedraining than those closer to the river bed. The winemakers also source fruit from Light Pass. With the Mediterranean climate, the Baume reaches 14 - 15 and quite unlike traditional Bordeaux, they have found great results in allowing the fruit to ripen significantly on the vine.

Until 1992, Elderton had used the small amounts of Merlot produced from the Estate as a blending tool with Cabernet. In 1992, the individual parcel of Merlot was exceptional and the decision was made to make a single varietal that encompassed the best that Merlot had to offer. The Elderton Merlot has been frequently recognised amongst the best Merlots in the country, as well as one of the most consistent. The 2018 vintage shows how superb Merlot can be in Australia, when handled well, and this wine sits proudly in their portfolio with its harmonious power and elegance.