Merlot 2008
SOLD OUT - No longer available for direct sales.
The total yield for the Merlot in 2008 was within 4% of its long-term average at Rosily Vineyard. The sugar levels were very close to their long-term averages. At 1.64g/berry, the average berry size was slightly smaller than usual.
In order to improve the structure of the largely clay based soils, gypsum was spread throughout the Merlot block at a rate of 3 tonnes to the hectare for the third consecutive year.
The Merlot was leaf plucked by machine once (more heavily in the spur rows than the cane) and hedged twice. For most of the growing season the berries were fairly shaded in the canopy, although the amount of sun exposure increased closer to veraison.
Download Tasting Notes for this Wine (PDF)» Tasting Notes
Appearance
Clear, bright, deep red / purple with a crimson hue.
Nose
Fresh red berries and chocolate hints with a subtle savoury component.
Palate
Elegant, medium bodied wine displaying red berry, chocolate and plum flavours with hints of snow pea.
Cellaring
Subtle oak treatment and soft tannins allow this wine to be enjoyed now or over the next three to four years.
» Technical Data
Amount
7.83 tonnes
Cropping Level
3.38 tonnes
Harvest Dates
31st March 2008
Alcohol/Volume
14%
Oak Treatment
20 months maturation in French oak (30% new)
» Production History
2003: 487 cases, 2004: 750 cases, 2005: 400 cases, 2006: 180 cases, 2007: 380 cases, 2008: 460 cases.