2020 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.
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
2020 was a vintage like no other. Whilst a global pandemic changed the way people lived their lives, Western Australia experienced a near perfect vintage. The preceding Spring growing season was warmer than average resulting in earlier bud burst and grape development. Grape yields were lower than average which led to one of the earliest harvests on record. The near perfect growing season allowed the winemakers to harvest fruit at optimal flavour and sugar ripeness. The resulting red wines are deeply coloured and display wonderful intensity and depth of flavour as a consequence of the low fruit yields.
