Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Merlot 2018 (Australia)

Description

• Savoury oak
• Rich plum & blackberry
• Christmas spice
• Smooth tannins

"It’s delightfully fruited and inviting on the nose showing sweet plum, blueberry, floral and toasted nut characters. The palate delivers juicy fruit flavours together with beautifully rounded mouthfeel and silky texture, making it very approachable and tasty. At its best: now to 2024" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jul 2020

A deep purple colour with rich plum and blackberry aromas, this Merlot is enticing and perfumed in style. Ripe berries and Christmas spice are highlights on the palate. Medium bodied and plush, the wine finishes with long, smooth tannin and complex, savoury oak notes.

The 2018 growing season had all the hallmarks of a classic vintage. Consistent warm temperatures produced perfect conditions for our red varieties to ripen. This along with good winter rains and a dry harvest period resulted in wines with great depth of varietal flavours, excellent tannin structure and colour along with a long balanced finish. Reds from 2018 will age well due to their intense concentration and power.

The grapes are crushed and de-stemmed into fermenters. Yeast is added immediately once in fermenter and the ferments are pumped over twice daily to maximise colour, tannin and flavour extraction. Cooling is used to ensure ferment temperatures remain in the 22-25 degree Celsius range which will allow the fruit to display maximum fruit expression. Pressing then occurs approximately seven days after crushing and the wine is then put into French oak for maturation for up to 12 months.

The Sandpiper range is named after the migratory bird which visits the Thorn-Clarke vineyards annually from the northern hemisphere - something of a reminder of the tenacity and commitment which is required for long term viticulture.