2018 Sandalford Element Merlot
Full of plums, blueberries and a cinnamon edge. This wine is a classic Merlot. It’s medium bodied and has a generosity about it which is just so easy to drink. Full of plums up front, with blue berries and red berries supporting. The tannins are silky smooth and give the palate texture. Although minimal, the oak flavours are savoury and are all about supporting the fruit flavours.
Winemaker comments
Winemaker Notes
Immediately after harvest, these grapes were destemmed and crushed to static fermenters. Twice daily
pump overs were used for extraction and cap management during the fermentation which took place
using a selected yeast strain. After fermentation the wine was drained and pressed to tank. The wine was
then inoculated for MLF. Post MLF, the wine was aged in French oak barrels for a period before blending
and bottling.
Tasting notes
Varietals
Varietal
Merlot
Colour
Other Notes
Cherry Red.
Nose
Production
Full of plums, blueberries and a hint of cinnamon.
Palate
Tasting Note
This wine is a classic Merlot. It’s medium bodied and has a generosity about it which is
just so easy to drink. Full of plums up front, with blue berries and red berries supporting.
The tannins are silky smooth and give the palate texture. Although minimal, the oak
flavours are savoury and are all about supporting the fruit flavours.
Vintage Conditions
Vineyard Notes
The 2018 vintage was a return to the fantastic conditions that WA is known for. The preceding winter and
early spring rainfall provided a good base of ground water for the vines to thrive. November was warm
and dry, setting up the vines perfectly through flowering and fruit set. An extended, dry and warm
summer through to the end of picking in mid-April, produced outstanding fruit to make wine from. All
grapes harvested this season are of exceptional quality and showing great varietal characteristics.
