2018 Sandalford Winemakers Cabernet Merlot
The Winemakers Range is all about delivering quite simply the best Western Australian wine at the best price. Quite simply, “Bang for your buck!” These wines are a blend of both the Margaret River and Swan Valley regions. In other words we have the riper, richer notes from the Swan with the cooler climate, more elegant and sophisticated characters from Margaret River. There are no lashings of oak and winemaking artefact here, just great fruit-driven wines from vines up to fifty years of age. These wines are all about balance, harmony and drinkability without burning a hole in your purse or wallet! So go on, have a crack and let us know the outcome! As always, enjoy in moderation.
Winemaker comments
Winemaker Notes
Usual stuff here … Ben (with some help) picked it, then Troy and Greg crushed it into the fermenter. Troy rehydrated the yeast and then it was fermented. It was on skins for about a week before being pressed to separate the wine and the skins. The wine was then left for a small time to mature before bottling.
Meet the maker
Growing up on a wheat and sheep farm is not your traditional start to a winemaking career. However, it was driving through the Swan Valley on the way to Perth that started my interest in grapes. They...
Continue Reading > were always beautiful and green quite a contrast to the dry and dusty terrain from the farm. During my final year of studies at the University of Adelaide, I commenced working at Petaluma in the Adelaide Hills, and this seeded my love of Riesling. After 18 months, I decided to explore the world of wine and for the next several years was a flying winemaker, working alternate vintages in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In the north, this took me to France (Languedoc, Cognac & a couple of days in Bordeaux) and many times to Oregon, USA. This is where my love of Pinot was born. Back in Australia, I also explored Margaret River, Geographe, Clare Valley, SA and Macedon Ranges, Vic. In January 2007, coming back to WA, I joined Sandalford as Winemaker and in December 2012, was offered the Senior Winemaker position. To talk about my winemaking philosophy, is to first understand the vineyards. My role is to let the grapes shine and ensure they reflect the vineyard site they're from. The fruit source for all of our wines, are paramount to their success, and I'm incredibly lucky to have one of the oldest vineyards in Margaret River to work with.
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Continue Reading > were always beautiful and green quite a contrast to the dry and dusty terrain from the farm. During my final year of studies at the University of Adelaide, I commenced working at Petaluma in the Adelaide Hills, and this seeded my love of Riesling. After 18 months, I decided to explore the world of wine and for the next several years was a flying winemaker, working alternate vintages in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In the north, this took me to France (Languedoc, Cognac & a couple of days in Bordeaux) and many times to Oregon, USA. This is where my love of Pinot was born. Back in Australia, I also explored Margaret River, Geographe, Clare Valley, SA and Macedon Ranges, Vic. In January 2007, coming back to WA, I joined Sandalford as Winemaker and in December 2012, was offered the Senior Winemaker position. To talk about my winemaking philosophy, is to first understand the vineyards. My role is to let the grapes shine and ensure they reflect the vineyard site they're from. The fruit source for all of our wines, are paramount to their success, and I'm incredibly lucky to have one of the oldest vineyards in Margaret River to work with.
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Tasting notes
Varietals
Varietal
Cabernet Merlot
Colour
Other Notes
Dark cherry red.
Nose
Production
Berries and currant.
Palate
Tasting Note
This is just one of those classic blends. Definitely a fruity wine, with currants and berries but it’s had time to sit and mellow. This has let more savoury and brambly flavours into the mix. Another one of those drinkable wines – definitely a pizza and pasta wine this one. Don’t wait any longer, drink it now.
Vintage Conditions
Vineyard Notes
For the 2018 vintage, I can say it again. It’s been another great year … there was no rain and no heat spikes.
