2019 Sandalford Winemakers Merlot
This is an easy drinking, moreish wine, with no pretentions. Fruit flavours of plums and small black fruits marry well with the cedar wood and savoury spice notes. It is a soft and imminently drinkable style. Enjoy in moderation.
Winemaker comments
Winemaker Notes
Machine harvested fruit was delivered to the winery in the cool, early hours of the morning for processing. The Merlot fruit was then destemmed to static fermenters, inoculated, and remained on skins for a week before pressing to tank at dryness. The wine was then matured for 12 months in seasoned French oak before blending and bottling.
Meet the maker
By the time I turned 18, I had become fascinated with wine. I was keen to learn as much about wine as I could and I received some great advice: to work in the industry before committing to any tertiary study....
Continue Reading > I was lucky enough to get my start at the cellars at Houghton Wines, here in the Swan Valley. I loved it, and it was the beginning of a career which was to eventually see me spend 20 years with Houghton’s. But first, I wanted to discover what traditional winemaking was like in the northern hemisphere. I took myself off to Burgundy, France, where I worked several vintages learning as much as I could about the craft of winemaking from some the best in the business. Returning to Australia I continued my career, picking up a few awards in the process of learning more and more about winemaking and achieving Bachelor of Applied Science and Oenology at Charles Sturt University, NSW. I was awarded the inaugural Gourmet Traveler Young Winemaker of the Year 2001, James Halliday’s Winemaker of the year in 2009, Winemaker of the Year in Ray Jordan's 2017 Annual West Australian Wine Guide, and I’ve judged extensively at capital city and regional wine shows. Australia makes some amazing world class wines! I’ve been fortunate to be Senior Winemaker at Sandalford Wines since March 2021 and I’m delighted every day by our estates’ old vines, the passion of the viticulture team here, and the outcomes we are able to achieve each vintage.
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Continue Reading > I was lucky enough to get my start at the cellars at Houghton Wines, here in the Swan Valley. I loved it, and it was the beginning of a career which was to eventually see me spend 20 years with Houghton’s. But first, I wanted to discover what traditional winemaking was like in the northern hemisphere. I took myself off to Burgundy, France, where I worked several vintages learning as much as I could about the craft of winemaking from some the best in the business. Returning to Australia I continued my career, picking up a few awards in the process of learning more and more about winemaking and achieving Bachelor of Applied Science and Oenology at Charles Sturt University, NSW. I was awarded the inaugural Gourmet Traveler Young Winemaker of the Year 2001, James Halliday’s Winemaker of the year in 2009, Winemaker of the Year in Ray Jordan's 2017 Annual West Australian Wine Guide, and I’ve judged extensively at capital city and regional wine shows. Australia makes some amazing world class wines! I’ve been fortunate to be Senior Winemaker at Sandalford Wines since March 2021 and I’m delighted every day by our estates’ old vines, the passion of the viticulture team here, and the outcomes we are able to achieve each vintage.
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Tasting notes
Varietals
Varietal
Merlot
Colour
Other Notes
Deep ruby red.
Nose
Production
Plums and Ribena blackcurrant.
Palate
Tasting Note
The Winemakers Range of wines are typically a blend of wine parcels made from our Margaret River and Swan Valley vineyards. The riper, richer flavours that are achieved in the Swan Valley, blend well with the elegant and sophisticated fruit characteristics from the cooler climate of Margaret River. Merlot is very much a maligned variety and often used in blends with other classic Bordeaux varieties. It adds softness and mid palate impression to the wine. Our varietal Merlot is crafted with balance, harmony and immediate drinkability in mind.
Vintage Conditions
Vineyard Notes
The majority of Australia experienced a hot summer with above average temperatures. Conversely, the southwest corner of WA experienced a mild summer, with temperatures for the growing season falling below average. These milder conditions resulted in a delayed ripening pattern for most grape varieties. This resulted in fruit with an elegant flavour profile in excellent condition at harvest. The resulting wines show wonderful varietal flavours and characteristics.
