Nose
The bouquet shows rich aromas of Amaretto, black liqueur cherries, coffee grounds and chocolate.
Palate
The palate is silky smooth, displaying ripe tannins, well married oak and flavours of chocolate, plum and blackberries and lingering sweet fruit reminiscent of cherry liquor chocolates.
Growing Conditions
Changes with the Merlot were quite dramatic. In the first instance, we were determined not to repeat the excessive yields of 2000 and the crop was thinned to 10.79 tonnes per hectare. There is no doubt in our mind that Merlot shares much in common with Pinot Noir, in that it is very sensitive to climatic and managerial influences. In both cases, a high crop level will lead to dilution of all features, no matter how good the trellis system.
Secondly, the improvements in shoot positioning, though only partially complete, had begun to show their worth, with better fruit exposure leading to much better colour and flavour.
At the winery, it was generally agreed that, for the first time, both the Ribbon Vale reds were beginning to show some Moss Wood influence.
Bottling
7/2/2003
Aging
Cellar easily for 7-10 years.
Appearance
Merlot is deep ruby, plum red in colour and is translucent, clear and bright.
